Security forces told to thwart intrusion of Sri Lankan nationals into Tamil Nadu

Patrolling intensified along the eastern seaboard, alert issued to coastal districts

A high alert has been sounded in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu to thwart the intrusion of Sri Lankan nationals into the State.

Patrolling along the territorial waters and roads leading to the coastline has been intensified, police sources said on Tuesday.

Protests

Amid violent protests and emergency powers given to the armed forces in the Island nation, the State government was in touch with the Ministry of Home Affairs on the possibility of Sri Lankan nationals arriving to seek refuge in India.

While the arrival of refugees in small batches started in early March this year with several families taking boats to reach the Rameswaram coast, a sudden increase was likely, the sources said.

Prison escapees

There was a possibility that many of the 50 odd prisoners who escaped from the Hambantota Prison could enter India by illegal means via sea route.