The Hindu : Front Page : Naval Observation Post to come up near Mandapam

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Monday, Oct 15, 2007
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Naval Observation Post to come up near Mandapam

C. Jaishankar

RAMANATHAPURAM: As an urgent step to check smuggling activity in the Gulf of Mannar area, the Indian Navy has decided to establish a Naval Observation Post (NOP) at Seeniappa Dharga near Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district. This is the first time that the Navy has come out with a plan to create a facility along the Gulf of Mannar ever since it established Naval Detachments along the Palk Bay during the Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka. These assets were basically established to assist the IPKF to meet its logistic and strategic needs from the Indian shore.

The decision assumes significance following intelligence inputs that smugglers operating from the Palk Bay and the Palk Straits have reportedly shifted their activities to the Gulf of Mannar.

The proposed facility would enable the Navy to extend its operation to Valinokkam. The recent incidents of smuggling along the Rameswaram coast suggest that the northeast monsoon season, from October to December, is considered a favourable season for smugglers. “There were reports that smugglers have changed their strategy based on the seasonal changes. We want to increase the area of operation. The proposed facility would serve the purpose and put an effective check on smuggling activities,” Commodore Phillip Van Haltren, Naval Officer in Charge, Tamil Nadu told The Hindu over phone on Saturday. Commander Subrato Mukherji, Area Commander, South, Naval Detachment, Rameswaram, said the survey for establishing the NOP had been completed.

Preparations were under way to install the facility. Communication facilities would be established at the NOP. Logistic support including adequate boats would be provided to naval personnel manning the new facility.

Commodore Haltren said he held a meeting with area commanders recently and discussed several issues. Instructions were given to all officers to step up vigil along the Rameswaram coast. Sea and air patrolling would be intensified.

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