Only signal cartridges, says MK on explosive seizure in TN

Chennai, Apr 26 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today allayed the fears over seizure of five live explosives at Mandapam near Rameswaram and said they were nothing but signal cartridges normally used in ships.

Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for the Police Department in the state Assembly, he said five live explosives, concealed in a thermocol box, were found on the beach at Mandapam yesterday just behind the Sri Lankan refugee camp.

He said acting on informtion, bomb-disposal squads from Madurai inspected the explosives and tested them.

After exploding, it went up, emitted signals and came down like a parachute.

''There is no cause for any apprehension as such cartridges are normally used in all ships'', he said, adding that coastal security, however, would continue to be tight.

It may be recalled that soon after receiling information about the explosives, the officials had cordoned off the area. Though the box showed traces of seaweed growth, the red coloured explosives in it appeared fresh, causing panic among the people.

However, a special team from Madurai, consisting of with experts in handling explosives, defused them.

UNI