Indian coast on high alert for Sri Lankans

COLOMBO (News 1st); High alert has been sounded along the sea coast to prevent intruders, after the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, reports The Hindu. 

Accordingly, Central and State intelligence officials have asked the agencies to tighten security on and off the coast due to this issue.

Moreover, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has cautioned the Coast Guard, Marine Police and the State police in maintaining vigil along the coast as there were incidents of Sri Lankans entering into Indian shores on boats to escape from the severe economic crisis.

Andhra Pradesh has 974 kilometres of coastline and 555 seabed villages in the coastal mandals. Security has been stepped up in all fishermen village in view of the intruders into the country, The Hindu reports, citing Police.

Speaking to The Hindu on Saturday, Krishna district Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kaushal has said the fishermen who venture into sea were alerted over the possible intrusions through sea route.

“We received an alert from the IB. The Law and Order and the Marine Police were asked to coordinate, intensify patrolling and maintain vigil along the sea coast,” the SP said.

The fishermen and their families were asked to pass information to the police, if they notice any strangers or movement of any boats in sea waters, Siddharth added.