Virtual curfew in Kalpakkam as Army takes over security

Chennai, Aug 14 (UNI) The army has thrown a tight security cover, virtually clamping a curfew in the atomic power station complex at Kalpakkam, near here, as part of increased security at all vital installations in the country following threats of terror attacks.

The Kalpakkam complex has been turned into a fortress with army personnel seen everywhere around the eight km radius of the high-security zone, which houses two power generating reactors - MAPS I and II, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and the under-construction 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor.

People living in fishing hamlets in areas near Kalpakkam, about 70 km from here, have been asked to remain indoors from 1800 hrs to 0800 hrs. Fishing activites have been halted in the Bay of Bengal.

A high-level meeting was held at Kalpakkam and the security arrangements were reviewed on the eve of Independence Day.

Kancheepuram District Collector Pradeep Yadav, the Superintendent of Police, senior CISF officials, Coast Guard and Navy were present.

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