The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Patrolling intensified off Rameswaram coast

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Thursday, Nov 06, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Patrolling intensified off Rameswaram coast

Special Correspondent

RAMESWARAM: In the wake of reports that the Sri Lankan army is entering the fringe areas and villages of LTTE’s stronghold Killinochchi, where heavy fighting is on, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard have enhanced their fleet strength along the Palk Bay, Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.

Both offshore and inshore patrolling vessels have been positioned along International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) to prevent possible movement of cadres under the guise of refugees from the north of Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu’s shore.

The operation assumes significance in the backdrop of the recent arrival of 5 suspected LTTE operatives from Kilinocchi and Nachikuda areas to Rameswaram.

Warships deployed

Defence sources said that five warships had been deployed off Rameswaram and Mandapam coast as part of the operation. The combined patrolling arrangement had been made following receipt of “reliable” inputs from across the border.

Seaward Defence Boat-59, ICGS Vikram, an offshore patrolling vehicle, ICGS Ramadevi, inshore patrol vehicle, and ICGS Aruna Asaf Ali were among the ships positioned at strategic locations.

A ship with onboard helicopter landing facility had also been pressed into service. It also has a sophisticated radar.

More sorties

The coast off Rameswaram has been witnessing hectic activities for the last few days with helicopters of the Naval Air Station at Uchipuli making frequent sorties along with a chopper from an offshore patrol vehicle. Similarly, the number of sorties carried out from Chennai using a Dornier craft has also been increased.

The main aim of present operation is to prevent LTTE cadres from arriving under the guise of refugees.

Besides the warships, all vessels such as two hovercraft, interceptor craft, interceptor boat, speed boats, rubber boats of Navy and Coast Guard at Rameswaram and Mandapam have also been put into round-the-clock patrolling mode.

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