Ports across Tamil Nadu on high alert

Chennai:
The ports in Tamil Nadu are on high alert following an alert from the Intelligence Bureau of a terror threat from terrorists in Pakistan, who had plans to infiltrate to South India through Sri Lankan waters with the help of their fishermen.

The security in the three ports was reviewed by Union Shipping Minister  G K Vasan who instructed the three chairmen to take all precautionary measures and be on alert.

Speaking to Express, Chennai Port Chairman Atulya Mishra said security has been beefed up at entry of exit and entry routes of Chennai port with extra deployment of security personnel at each entry or exit point from both land and sea sides to prevent any untoward incident.

Moreover, Central Industrial Security forces and Marine Commandos have also been directed for patrolling in the respective areas round the clock. CISF Intelligence Wing have also been geared up to liaise with local agencies to collect advance information, shipping ministry said.

“We are also monitoring the movements of ship in the vicinity of port,” Mishra, who also attended a high-level review meeting of the state government to chalk out a strategy following the terror alert, said.


Mishra also said that marine police stations across the coast are also doing regular patrolling.

Meanwhile, V O Chidambaranar Port has taken all proactive measures to counter the threat in conjunction with Coast Guard, Marine Police, and Local Police. “Considering the Prevailing Security threat, the Port has stopped entry of public in to the Port,” VOC port spokesman said. Ennore port officials also told Express that security has been beefed up at the port entry and exit points.