Security blanket around atomic power complex

Chennai, Aug 14 (UNI) A thick security blanket has been thrown over the Kalpakkam Atomic Power Complex, housing the MAPS units and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), following a red alert from the Union Home Ministry after US warning of terror attacks on vital Indian installations.

As the Army had taken control of the security around the nuclear power plants, authorities are also looking at the possibility of imposing a 12-hour curfew from 1800 hrs to 0600 hrs in the vicinity of the Kalpakkam complex.

The curfew is likely to be imposed around the eight km radius surrounding the IGCAR and other plants.

The Army might also keep anti-aircraft artillery ready at the Kalpakkam unit and at some strategic locations around the power plant as the Central intelligence report on possible terrorist attack did not rule out air strikes.

Coast Guard sources told UNI today that a big CG ship, with helicopter on board, is patrolling the sea close to Kalpakkam.

Regular meetings are being held to review the security position.

The sources said Dornier aircraft are making sorties in the morning and evening.

The CG is directed to check each and every fishing vessel and fishing boats thoroughly. ''If any of the ships did not stop after a waring issued by the CG, warning shots will be fired'', the sources said.

Massive combing operations were also undertaken in the reserve forest areas in and around the Atomic Power Station complex and a ban had been imposed on fishing.

Naval ships are also stationed near Kalpakkam as part of security arrangements.

Meanwhile, the villages and the fishing hamlets in about 15km radius of the IGCAR have come under the Defence scanner in view of the red alert sounded by the Centre.

The elite National Security Group (NSG) commandos along with CISF personnel, who are manning the Central Installations across the country, are maintaining a tight vigil.

Army intelligence personnel in plain clothes and armed Tamil Nadu policemen drawn from six police districts are posted in the villages and fishermen hamlets.

All the vehicles entering the complex and going out of it and the staff of the atomic power complex were being subjected to thorough checks following reports that terrorists might use liquid explosives to carry out their operations.

UNI GV VV SSC ND1410