The inter-State border points shared by Kerala and Tamil Nadu in Idukki district have been secured by the police in the wake of protest marches from Tamil Nadu, said P. Chandrasekharan, Additional Director General of Police.
There is no cause of worry for the people over their safety in the border points as security has been tightened, said Mr. Chandrasekharan after visiting Kumily on Tuesday.
The police forces of Kerala and Tamil Nadu police are working together to prevent any untoward incidents in the border areas following the agitations over Mullaperiyar Dam.
The officials of the two forces are sharing information on protests and the movement of protesters towards the Kerala border. The Tamil Nadu police have been effectively controlling the protesters in their side during the past two days, he said.
There was information that groups of protesters may move towards Kumily, Kambammedu, Bodimettu and Munnar areas of Kerala. The Tamil Nadu police have taken steps to prevent their movement to
these areas. The Kerala police have also stepped up its presence in Munnar and Bodimettu areas, he said.
The authorities have opened two help lines at the Cumbum North Police Station in Tamil Nadu for helping the Keralites who are stranded there to get back to Kerala. These numbers have been publicized through the media and the Tamil Nadu police will ensure the safe passage of people to Kerala. Keralites can also contact all the police stations of Kerala for getting back to their home state, he said.
Referring to the pelting of stones at a house in Rosapookandam area by some miscreants on Saturday, Mr. Chandrasekharan said that such stray incidents have taken place in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. While evaluating the present situation, one needs to look at the incidents that could be averted by the police than the stray events, he said.
Prohibitory orders are clamped after assessing the situation prevailing in an area on a day-to-day basis. The police will decide on the prohibitory orders in Kumily and adjoining areas after evaluating the situation, he said.
Incidentally, prohibitory orders are in force in Kumily town for the past one week.
Mr. Chandrasekharan, accompanied by George Varghese, the Idukki District Chief of Police, visited Kambammedu and Ramakkalmedu, to take stock of the situation.
The Idukki District Collector E. Devadasan, when contacted, said that the helplines could be accessed at 09047960534 and 09047960738.
