Sethu Samudram poses terrorist threat to India says Coast Guard

[Tuesday, February 05, 2008 - 09.20 GMT]  

Voicing his concern over the proposed Sethu Samudram Project Coast Guard Director General Vice Admiral Rusi Contractor said there are security implications because of the close proximity of the India-Sri Lanka maritime boundary Indian Express reported.

He said that if this sea way is opened up, it would be used by terrorists to infiltrate into India.

Slow speed of the ships crossing the seaway in the narrow channel make them vulnerable to terrorist attacks, Contractor pointed out.

The Intelligence and security establishment in India, have expressed concern over the Sethu Samudram Project in the view of the known activities of the LTTE off the northern waters of Sri Lanka, which include the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar.

The LTTE Sea Tigers are known to be engaged in gun running and other piracy in these waters.

The warning by Coast Guard Director General comes close on the heels of similar concerns expressed by Navy Chief Admiral Suresh Mehta recently.

Sethu Samudram Ship Channel Project proposes linking the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka by creating a shipping channel through the shallow sea and through the island chain of Rama's Bridge. This would provide a continuous navigable sea route around the Indian Peninsula, for smaller vessels.