The Hindu : Front Page : High security alert sounded in State

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 25, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

High security alert sounded in State

Special Correspondent

— Photo: V. Ganesan

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi holding a security review meeting with Chief Secretary K.S. Sripathi, and police officials at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: A high level of security alert has been sounded in parts of Tamil Nadu following specific threat to major temples, particularly the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple in Madurai, and establishments of a leading Tamil newspaper.

Highly placed police sources told The Hindu on Wednesday that Central intelligence agencies had warned of possible attack by the Lashkar-e-Taiba on the Tamil daily, Dinamalar, which recently published cartoons of Prophet Mohammed in one of its editions. Sources in the Intelligence Bureau in New Delhi termed the threat to the newspaper “credible.” Interception of a telephonic conversation between two suspects indicated that the threat was a fallout of the cartoon. Following the threat, tight security arrangements have been made in and around the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, referred to as ‘Meenakshipuram’ by extremist elements. Director-General of Police K.P. Jain visited the temple on Tuesday and inspected the bandobust. “We have suggested some improvements on the security front. Besides installation of advanced gadgets, emphasis has been laid on enhanced surveillance through closed circuit television,” Mr. Jain said, adding that vigil had been stepped up in other temples as well.

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi convened a meeting of top police officials at the Secretariat on Wednesday to review the law and order situation. “In view of the bomb blasts that occurred in some parts of the country, we have issued an alert to all districts. Instructions have been given to closely monitor the movement of activists/sympathisers of banned outfits. A close watch is being maintained on vital installations and hospitals,” ADGP (Law and Order) T. Rajendran said.

Stating that the threat perceptions had emanated from New Delhi, where a terror module was busted recently, a police official said the management of the Tamil daily was informed of the threat and advised to take precautionary steps. Armed police personnel were deployed at some of its branches.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page