This Article is From May 09, 2009

LTTE eyeing west coast to enter India: Navy officer

LTTE eyeing west coast to enter India: Navy officer
Panaji:

The LTTE, pushed to a narrow stretch in Sri Lanka by its army, is trying to infiltrate into India through the western coast, a senior Navy officer said on Saturday.

"As the Navy is closely monitoring the Tamil Nadu coast, we realised that people from Sri Lanka, including LTTE cadres, were trying to illegally enter from the west coast," said Vice-Admiral S K Damle, flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command.

He was speaking on sidelines of a passing out parade organised by Indian Navy at 'INS Mandovi' near Panaji.

Damle said that Police and other security agencies have informed the navy that LTTE is also making attempts to infiltrate from other areas.

He, however, clarified that the problem is not of today. "This possibility was always there and we have been on high alert to foil any illegal entry attempt," he said adding that the Navy has not come across any LTTE ship in Indian waters.

To a question, Damle said, "We are making sure that our coastal borders are secured and no unauthorised elements come into our country."

"As far as Sri Lankan Navy is concerned they are acting on their own for their security. There is no direct coordination between Southern Naval Command and Sri Lankan Navy," he added.

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