With intelligence agencies having warned of the threats of terror hovering over the Indian coastal areas, the Indian Home Ministry has asked three states to expedite implementing the Coastal Security Scheme immediately.

The Home Ministry is of the view that the Indian coastline is facing threats from organizations like LTTE and Al Qaeda.

Intelligence sources have found that that while Tamil Nadu (TN) has become a haven for Sri Lankan Tamil Militants and the LTTE’s terrorist activities, Kerala has become a hot bed for Jihadi elements.

Three states lagging

India’s “News Today” states: It has been found that although when the relevant Group of Ministers met in January 2005 on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, it approved a ‘Coastal Security Scheme’, and sanctioned the setting up of Coastal Police Stations in the Coastal States, the key states of Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Kerala have not implemented the scheme.

Eight states and four union territories are covered under this scheme out of which, the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh along with the four Union Territories – Pondicherri, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar have made all their coastal police stations operational.

However, Kerala, where eight coastal police stations were sanctioned has set up only one, and Tamil Nadu and Orissa that were sanctioned 12 and five coastal police stations respectively, have not set up even one.

Due to the delay in implementing the Coastal Security Scheme it has been found that when patrolling is increased in TN coast, the LTTE cadres move to Kerala coasts and the Jihadi elements of Kerala also move in to TN border areas such as Theni, Gudalur, Coimbatore, Thenkasi and Thirunelveli, etc.

Media reports in India say the intelligence agencies have also not ruled out the connection and communication network between LTTE militants and Jihadi groups.

“News Today” in an editorial on the matter titled “Shoreline security” published yesterday (June 09) states: “It is also a fact that the TN government and the Dravidian Parties like DMK / PMK / MDMK / VCK / DK have a soft corner towards LTTE and the same is the case with Kerala government and the ruling CPM, which has an unholy nexus with fundamentalist organizations like PDP and NDF.

It is almost three years since the centre has approved the coastal security scheme and it is appalling to note that the Kerala and TN state governments have shown downright disregard to it.

Even one year back when the LTTE activities peaked in the state the DMK government waxed eloquent on setting up of twelve police stations, but till date not even one has come up.

Likewise, the Kerala Home Minister waxed eloquent in the state assembly about coastal patrolling and internal security monitoring system and all that, but nothing has happened further.

The setting up of Marine Police Stations across the coastal stretch would certainly help a lot in curtailing and controlling the smuggling of arms, ammunition & explosives and terrorist activities.

It would also help the genuine fishermen to carry out their livelihood works without any fear & insecurity.

It is high time the TN and Kerala governments realize the imminent danger and complete the coastal security network by establishing the coastal police stations and operationalising them and also ensuring a perfect coordination and communication network with Navy and Coast Guard.”