Tight security in South TN ahead of Republic Day

Chennai

Subsequent to the arrest of 14 sympathisers of ISIS terror group in a nationwide crackdown by sleuths of National Investigation Agency (NIA) after the Pathankot airbase attack by terrorists and a red alert issued by the Central intelligence agencies, a multi-layered security cover was put in place in the Indian territorial waters along the south eastern coast supported by 'air and sea' surveillance by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG), said an official of ICG, Mandapam Station in Ramanathapuram district, today.

The Indian maritime forces have deployed naval ships and patrol vessels along the Palk Bay, the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, a move that would enhance the coastal security along the Indian coast. The Navy and ICG were maintaining a close vigil along the International Maritime Boundary Line to thwart any kind of intrusion by anti-social elements via sea route.

Security measures have been stepped at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power project (KKNPP) and Indian Space Research Organisation Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district, V.O.Chidambaranar Port at Tuticorin, Madurai airport, besides the historic temples, major railway stations, bus stands and all the vital installations.

About 2,000 police personnel were deployed in Madurai city alone, where the World-renowned Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple was brought under security scanner, police said.