Tight security for Independence day celebrations

Madurai, Aug 14: Elaborate security arrangements have been made in the Southern districts in the wake of recent unearthing of a terror module, ahead of Independence day celebrations.

Police said multi-proned security measures have been taken following a red alert sounded by the Intelligence agencies about the possible terror strikes in Tirunelveli on Independence day.

Additional police check posts have been set up in Theni district, bordering Kerala. Similarly, the existing check posts have been strengthened by deploying additional policemen to keep a round-the-clock vigil in the border areas to prevent any infiltration of subversive elements into the state.

In Tirunelveli, over 1,000 policemen drawn from various units like Tamilndu Special Police (TSP), Swift Action Force (SAF) and Armed Reserve were deployed at vantage points, government offices and places of worship.

Historic temples like Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple in Madurai, Sri Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram, Lord Dhandayuthapani temple atop Palani hill, Arulmigu Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli, Karpaga Vinayagar Temple at Pillaiyarpatti and Sri Rangamannar temple besides the Pamban Railway bridge were being guarded by the police.

In Madurai, a blanket security cover was thrown over the city.

More than 2,000 policemen were deployed as part of security measures, police added.

UNI