New Delhi [India], May 15 (ANI): After the Centre revoked the security clearance of a Turkish firm Celebi NAS Airport Services, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol on Thursday said that this decision was taken after they received multiple requests to ban the agency, recongising the call to protect national interest.

The Union MoS exhorted that ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains top priority of the government.

In a social media post on X, Mohol said, 'Revocation of Security Clearance of Celebi, Turkish company operating ground handling services at Indian Airports. We have received requests from across India to ban Celebi NAS Airport Services India Ltd, a Turkish company operating ground handling services at Indian airports.'

'Recognising the seriousness of the issue and the call to protect national interests, we have taken cognizance of these requests and Ministry of Civil Aviation has revoked security clearance of the said company. Ensuring the safety and interests of the nation remains our top priority,' the statement added.

https://x.com/mohol_murlidhar/status/1923003469566444029

Earlier today, the Central government revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground-handling company Celebi NAS Airport Services, citing national security concerns.

Celebi handles about 70 per cent of ground operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, including passenger handling, load control, cargo services, postal services, warehouse management, and bridge operations. It also operates at multiple airports across India.

The decision comes amid growing backlash against Turkiye after they extended support to Pakistan during heightened tensions with India.

In an official order, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) stated: 'The security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd, under the category Ground Handling Agency was approved by DG, BCAS vide letter no. 15/99/2022-Delhi-BCAS/E-219110 dated 21.11.2022. In the exercise of power conferred upon DG, BCAS, the security clearance in r/o Celebi Airport Services India Pvt. Ltd is hereby revoked with immediate effect in the interest of National Security. This issues with the approval of DG, BCAS.'

Earlier today, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) held a protest at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, demanding that airport authorities cut their ties with Celebi NAS Airport Services, a Turkish company.

The protest was led by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel on Tuesday, who criticised Turkey for extending its support to Pakistan during the recent tensions with India.

Traders across India also decided to boycott Turkish products after the Ankara extended support to Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor to neutralise Islamabad terror infrastructure.

Farmer organisations across Himachal Pradesh have also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose a complete ban on the import of apples from Turkey and enforce strict import duties and quality standards on apples coming from other countries.

In Uttar Pradesh, fruits traders in Ghaziabad have also decided to boycott Turkish apples and other imports.

India imports goods worth over Rs 1,200 crore from Turkey annually, including a significant share of fruits like apples. (ANI)