CHENNAI: With 10 full days to go for polling, the flare-up of violence in neighbouring Sri Lanka is causing serious concern in the State.

Both security agencies and the political establishment here do not want a fresh breakout of war and are hoping that after the `tit for tat' attacks, the two sides will return to the ceasefire. The Navy, Coast Guard and police, especially the coastal security wing, have stepped up alert along the coast to ensure there is no spill over effect.

Though there have been some skirmishes and blasts along and off the eastern and western coasts of Sri Lanka in recent times, the suicide bomber's attempt on the life the Army chief in Colombo and the retaliatory air strikes on LTTE positions marked a new high in violence. The security agencies are hoping that international pressure on both sides will prevent another edition of the Eelam war.

Political fallout

It is not only the security agencies and the State authorities who are worried about the developments.

The political parties, as they prepare for the final phase of the campaign, may find it difficult to avoid raising the issue if the violence continues.

"There are hawks on both sides and we will find it embarrassing to deal with the fallout if it becomes a campaign issue at this stage," reasons a security official.

He says Union Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee has spoken to the Sri Lankan President and New Delhi is hopeful that the violence will ebb.

The concern is that in their anxiety to be seen taking up the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils, some politicians could launch a tirade against the Sri Lankan Government and its armed forces. Till now, the Sri Lankan issue has not figured much in the campaign.

The suicide bomber or the attack on the Army headquarters will be of no consequence to the politicians. But the death of 12 innocent civilians in the bombing could throw up a major issue if such incidents continued.

The Sri Lankan Defence authorities have made it clear that the attacks on specific targets will continue.

Flow of refugees

Official sources say the authorities, in close coordination with the Navy and the Coast Guard, are keeping a watch on the seas, just in case there is a fresh flow of refugees from Sri Lanka.

Both the Centre and the State are keen to ensure that there is no escalation in violence and innocent civilians are not caught in the crossfire.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail