Indian naval chief warns against lowering vigil off TN coast

Chennai, May 18 (UNI) Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash today warned against any scaling down vigil and guard off the Tamil Nadu coast as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) can take advantage of the present 'disturbed situation' in Sri Lanka.

Addressing a press meet here, Admiral Prakash said though there has been no incident of intrusion by the LTTE so far, a strict vigil had to be maintained off the coastline.

'We have enhanced our state of readiness (particularly in the context of the recent developments in Sri Lanka) and stepped up surveillance measures both by sea and air. We are watching the situation very carefully,' he said.

On the influx of Tamil refugees into the state, after the Sri Lankan forces launched attacks on Tamil areas, Admiral Prakash said 'there are not lot of refugees. There is nothing alarming about the refugees as of now..we are watching the situation.' Incidents of Sri Lankan Navy attacking Indian fishermen had come down, he said, adding, there had been such incidents in the past, but now 'we have a good cooperation from the Sri Lankan Navy.' More UNI WS VD HS1948