The Nilgiris district police have stepped up security across the district following reports that six extremists who were believed to have infiltrated into Tamil Nadu, were in the neighbouring Coimbatore district.
Superintendent of Police C. Kalaichelvan said there had been no specific alert issued to the district, but vigilance had been stepped up at key locations, both civilian and military.
Armed police had been posted at places frequented by the public, such as bus stops and major tourist attractions such as the Government Botanical Garden and Boat House in Udhagamandalam and the Sims Park in Coonoor.
Additional personnel have been posted around the Wellington Cantonment area and the Madras Regimental Centre. Surveillance of visitors would be up till the threat level decreased, he said.
Security has been strengthened at the 16 border check-posts and vehicle checks have been stepped up.
Police posted at the check-posts said there was special focus on vehicles entering the district from Coimbatore, Kerala and Karnataka. The identity of the occupants was being checked before the vehicles were let into the district, officials said.
In addition to the district police personnel, a battalion of the Tamil Nadu Special Police has also been deployed, the officials said.
