Tamil Nadu - Ramanathapuram   

Security stepped up along the coast

RAMANATHAPURAM: With supporters of Tamil Eelam embarking on a journey, “Padagu Payanam,” carrying food and medicines to Sri Lankan Tamils, security agencies here have stepped up vigil along the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu.

While P. Nedumaran of the Tamil Nationalist Movement led a group headed for Nagapattinam by road, Melkiyore of Uzhaikkum Makkal Viduthalai Iyakkam led a group to Rameswaram, from where they plan to take a boat to Sri Lanka.

Roadside meetings and public meetings organised by Eelam supporters failed to evoke much enthusiasm among people.

Security men in plainclothes are closely following the groups and taking notes. The Navy and Coast Guard have also started collecting inputs. Leaders and cadres of Thamizhar Thesiya Iyakkam, Tamil Thesiya Katchi, Tamil Thesiya Viduthalai Iyakkam, Tamizhar Kazhagam, Ulaga Thamizhar Peramaippu, Tamizhaga Manitha Urimai Kazhagam are taking part in the journey.

The campaigners entered Ramanathapuram district on Sunday and scheduled to address a public meeting at Rameswaram on Tuesday, before taking the boat journey. Leaders of fishermen groups have distanced themselves from Padagu Payanam. The police are trying to find whether the agitators have built special boats.

Though the police have not imposed any ban on the campaign, it is learnt that they may take preventive action at the last minute.

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