After Sri Lanka bans 11 terror groups, security beefed up in TN to prevent intrusions

Chennai: Heightened security measures have been put in place, especially in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, to prevent possible intrusion of religious fundamentalists after 11 terrorist groups were banned in Sri Lanka.

In a circular to all Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, Director General of Police J K Tripathy said the banning of 11 terror groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, in Sri Lanka could have its repercussions in India, especially in Tamil Nadu.

It said security has also been intensified at airports with international arrivals as the fundamentalists could intrude either by air or sea.

Members of the outlawed organisations were extremists or terrorists trained to thrive in the underground and the likely asylum of most cadre was Tamil Nadu, considering its geographical proximity and willing patronage, he said.

Mr Tripathy said fishing boats could also ferry extremists across the Bay of Bengal.

Pointing out that local sympathisers might facilitate logistics for their travel, he said the extremists, after finding shelter in the State, might continue to indulge in nefarious activities against Sri Lanka from Indian soil.

The DGP instructed senior police officers to step up the intelligence machinery and intensify surveillance across the State to prevent religious fundamentalists from setting up base in Tamil Nadu. (UNI)