Tamil Nadu   

Plot to trigger blasts in State was hatched across border

CHENNAI: The threat perceived from the banned Laskhar-e-Taiba (LeT) on specific targets in Tamil Nadu, including the Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple in Madurai, was a result of a plot that was hatched across the border in the north, sources in the intelligence agencies told The Hindu on Friday.

A plot to carry out serial blasts in Chennai and temple towns in the State was “discussed” outside the country. The LeT had planned to strike either by sending its operatives or by enlisting a section of the Sri Lankan nationals to carry out the sabotage plans.

It was interception of mobile phone conversation between some suspects by Central intelligence agencies that led to the unearthing of the conspiracy.

To identify “like-minded” youth in Sri Lanka and send them to Tamil Nadu in the guise of refugees was one of the moves, the sources said.

Not ruling out the possibility that the threat could be from “outside,” Director General of Police K.P. Jain said the State police was alert to all situations, including nexus between terrorist groups. “We are working in close coordination with the Navy and the Coast Guard. Instructions have been given to increase the use of metal detectors and surveillance cameras. There is no need to panic as the police have taken all precautionary measures.”

Mr. Jain appealed to the public to verify the antecedents of persons approaching them for rental accommodation.

“Public can inform the police about suspicious persons or activity in their locality. We want the people to understand the threat and cooperate with the law enforcing agencies in various preventive measures like frisking and vehicle checks.”

An alert has been sounded in the coastal districts to enhance vigil along the shoreline.

The government has sanctioned manpower to four more Marine Police stations. Elaborate security arrangements have been made to prevent infiltration at the 400 plus landing points along the coast, police sources added.

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