Lakshadweep on alert for Tiger infiltration

Police in Lakshadweep islands in India have confirmed about receiving an intelligence alert on possible infiltration attempts by the LTTE through Minicoy island, around two weeks ago.

"We have received an intelligence input about 15 days ago, stating that some LTTE cadres are planning to enter Lakshadweep through Minicoy island under the guise of fishermen, in fishing boats.

"We have intensified the security measures and sustained patrolling is being carried out," said Ranbeer Singh, SP, Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

The possible infiltration by Bangladesh- based Jamaat-ul-Dawa militants is also being watched.

The matter has been brought to the attention of other security agencies on the islands.

"The Navy and the Coast Guard have been alerted during a coordination meeting. To

They have intensified joint patrolling throughout the day and night. After receiving this alert from the Centre, we are on full alert," he said. Fishermen have been instructed to be alert. They have been told to inform the authorities if they come across the presence of any strangers in the region. The Fisheries Director has been asked to monitor the activities of the fishermen on a daily basis.

The authorities have briefed the fishermen in the area on intelligence tip-off. The fishermen have been asked to be careful when they go watched fishing in the outer sea. "The officials have been monitoring the number of fishing boats going to the outer sea everyday. They have been specifically instructed to go in the morning and return by evening. Fisheries authorities have been instructed to verify the number of vessels leaving the shore and returning," the officials said. Earlier, the Centre had given a general alert on the infiltration possibilities by Bangladesh-based Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JuM) activists to southern shores of the country. "The general alert said that the militants may infiltrate from Negombo in Sri Lanka. Lakshadweep being a separate entity, chances are more for these islands to be chosen as a hideout," Intelligence Bureau sources said.

They, however, said that similar threats exist from the LTTE activists also. Currently, units of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard operate in these islands. "So far, we haven't received any inputs in this regard. However if there is any such intelligence input from the top, we would certainly take it seriously. Since it is a matter of national security, we would launch a full-scale operation immediately," said a top official with the Coast Guard. Express Buss