Tamil Nadu police investigate attack on SL Navy boat

[Thursday, February 07, 2008 - 04.45 GMT]  

Ramanathapuram District Collector R Kirlosh Kumar will conduct an inquiry into the alleged attack on Sri Lankan Naval surveillance boat by LTTE cadres, who had disguised as Indian fisherman, off Neduntheevu island in Sri Lanka., said a UNI news report yesterday (6).
  
It was reported that the LTTE cadres, hiding inside the boat, launched rocket propelled grenade attack on the boat. On information, a Lankan Naval ship reached the spot and desisted from launching an attack fearing massive casualty on the other side.

The Lankan Naval ship directed the fishing boats to leave the Sri Lankan Waters and informed the incident to Indian Coast Guard, which in turn informed the district authorities, the sources added
  
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi  in a statement yesterday said that police have been given a free hand to deal with any situation and maintain continuous vigil on proscribed LTTE and extremist activities.

The police were maintaining strict vigil on infiltration of LTTE militants in the guise of refugees and conducting periodic checks in the refugee camps to ensure no terrorists had taken shelter there.

After launching a drive against extremists and LTTE supporters, the police arrested 84 people in connection with smuggling iron balls, aluminum bars, latest communication gadgets, boats and essential items to the LTTE and registered 13 cases against them, Forty of the arrested, including 17 Sri Lankan Tamils, had been detained under the National Security Act (NSA).

Explosive materials, 7.5 tonne of iron balls, four tonne of aluminum bars and other items, meant to be smuggled to the LTTE, were seized.

In a swift move, the police recently arrested a nine-member gang, including LTTE Intelligence Wing Leader Thambidurai and seized a luxury car and Rs. 4.78 lakh from them.

To prevent infiltration of LTTE into the State, police was maintaining close vigil in coastal areas in coordination with the Indian Coast Guard and coastal security police with the help of two Coast Guard ships and boats, sent by the Centre on a request from the State Government.