Indian Navy ups vigil to stop entry of Lankan refugees

An upsurge of attacks against Muslims by Sinhala Buddhist militants in Sri Lanka has raised fears of a new round of communal violence. Under the circumstances, the Indian government is fearing entry of a fresh batch of refugees into Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi, as had happened during the pre-2009 civil war. Hence, the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay regions are under tight security. Two helicopters of the Indian Navy, two hovercrafts attached to the ICG, two small boats of the Navy, a Dornier aircraft and two small boats from the Marine Police have been deployed for round the clock security in the sea. 

According to Marine Police sources, Sri Lankan forces are busy trying to bring the situation under control, leaving the coastal areas bereft of much in terms of security. The sources added that in such a scenario there is much apprehension that a lot of victims of violence may escape the country and try entering India. 

Smugglers may make full use of this opportunity to sneak in gold and narcotics and this is another reason for security being tightened in the area, the sources said.