Indian authorities have issued a high alert in Tamil Nadu on the possibility of Sri Lankans fleeing to the country via the sea route due to the recent unrest.
The Hindu reported that a high alert has been sounded in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu to thwart the intrusion of Sri Lankan nationals into the State.
Indian Police sources said on Tuesday that patrolling along the territorial waters and roads leading to the coastline has been intensified.
The alert has been issued amid violent protests and emergency powers given to the armed forces in Sri Lanka due to the recent outbreak of unrest.
The Indian State government has reportedly been in touch with India’s Ministry of Home Affairs on the possibility of Sri Lankan nationals arriving to seek refuge in India.
While the arrival of refugees in small batches started in early March this year with several families taking boats to reach the Rameswaram coast, a sudden increase was likely, the sources said.
Security personnel in the coastal districts were alerted to mount surveillance at vantage points and alert Village Vigilance Committees in all fishing hamlets to keep a watch at known landing points.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka and are in constant touch with the Ministry of Home Affairs and intelligence agencies on the issue. The Coastal Security Group of the Tamil Nadu police is also coordinating with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard on the frequency and pattern patrolling along the south-eastern sea belt,” a top official in the Tamil Nadu government told The Hindu.
Officials of the State police, fisheries, and intelligence agencies stationed in Rameswaram were told to be in constant touch with fishermen and other sources to look out for families stranded on islands between the two countries.
courtesy NewsWire
