31.1.2008
By Walter Jayawardhana

An Indian Defence boat and a coast guard ship have been despatched to the Palk Bay between Sri Lanka and India in the wake of intelligence reports that Tamil Tigers could be sending some cadres to Tamil Nadu, Indian security reports said.

Due to the onslaught of the Sri Lankan security forces LTTE terrorists have been planning to escape to India, Sri Lankan forces also suspected.

There had been intense activity in the Wanni also to despatch injured LTTE leaders for treatment to India, other intelligence reports said.

A naval defence Boat T-60 and the Coast Guard ship Razia Sultana have been deployed in the Palk Bay in the wake of the reports Indian security reports said.

Indian security sources were quoted having said speed boats had been asked to intensify patrolling along the Indian coastline, and added that helicopters have also been pressed into service.

"The deployed vessels have been fitted with radars and 30 MM Medak guns and 12.7mm guns. The ships were also expected to prevent Indian fishermen from entering Lankan waters," a report from Chennai said.

LTTE political ally Vaiko, the leader of the Marumalarchchi Dravida Munnetra kazhagam (MDMK) has appealed to the Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh that the Sri Lankan underwater security measures should be removed at the maritime border of the two countries

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Defence