Security beefed up along coast in Ramanathapuram district

RAMANATHAPURAM, August 15, 2011

Coastal security has been beefed up in Ramanathapuram district in view of the Independence Day celebration scheduled for Monday.

The coastal security agencies such as the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Security Group (CSG) and the marine police wing of the State police have been alerted to step up vigil along the coast so to monitor suspicious elements and boats.

The vessels of CSG based at Mandapam and Devipattinam have been order to operate round-the-clock. Officials said that movement of suspicious boats would be monitored and the crew would be questioned. The fishermen along the coast had also been asked to inform movement of suspicious persons.

Sandeep Mittal, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ramanathapuram range), said that intensive patrolling had been undertaken along the coast from Valinokkam to Thondi. Anti-sabotage checks with the involvement of Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad would be undertaken in several areas. Police force had been strengthened in bus stands, railway stations and places of public congregation. Policemen had been directed to conduct surprise checks at lodges. All policemen had been instructed to be on the alert. Armed Reserve policemen had been kept ready for deployment at any given time in the troubled areas.

Vital installations such as Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, Pamban bridge, Collectorate, Vazhuthur power plant, Erwadi Dargah, temples in Uthirakosamangai and Thiruppulani had been given police protection. Close coordination would be maintained with the coastal security agencies.

Superintendent of Police Panneerselvam said that vehicle-checks would be conducted to keep tabs on suspicious elements.