TN on high alert after six terrorists enter state
By Newsmeter Network Published on 23 Aug 2019 8:32 AM GMT
Chennai: Tamil Nadu has been put on high alert after the Central Intelligence Bureau (CBI) warned that six members of the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, have entered the state and are likely to attack strategic installations and crowded places in the guise of Hindu men.
Security has been beefed up in Coimbatore, that witnessed 12 bombings at 11 places in 1998, which left 58 people dead and over 200 injured.
Additional forces have also been brought into Chennai and few other parts of the state.
The state has been put on red alert and instructions have been given to tightening security and surveillance across Tamil Nadu especially in the 13 coastal districts to prevent infiltration.
According to the intelligence report received, six members of the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba have entered the state via sea from Sri Lanka, and have moved to different cities, including Coimbatore.
DGP J.K. Tripathy said, “Security has been intensified at many places, including airports, railway stations, bus stands and places of worship. Vehicle checks are also taking place in the city and border areas.”
The information given to the officials in Coimbatore is that the group of five includes a Pakistani national and five Sri Lankan Tamil Muslims who have disguised themselves as Hindus. Reports claim that the Pakistan national’s name is Iliyas Anwar.
The bombings in 1998 in Coimbatore occurred after the riots in the city in November - December the previous year, when Muslims led by radical group Al Umma and police forces clashed. This resulted in 18 Muslim rioters being killed due to police firing and two police personnel were murdered.
