‘Friends of Police’ to assist as coast guards

Mandapam, a sleepy fishermen’s enclave, has metamorphosed into a virtual fortress ever since the ethnic strife intensified in Sri Lanka.

The setting up of a refugee camp to accommodate illegal immigrants from the island nation has made this once quiet town a vulnerable point for smuggling activities.

“Apart from Sri Lanka refugees reaching Indian shores through this route, the coastal areas of Ramanathapuram have become notorious for smuggling essential commodities to the war-torn region in Sri Lanka,” said well-informed government sources.

“With the Sri Lankan government stepping up the offensive against LTTE, we fear that refugees would mostly likely look at this route to leave that country. Unless vigilance along this region is stepped up, we expect a few rebels also to arrive in India,” sources added.

“We have formed five-member groups of Friends of Police (FoP) in 110 villages. Their task would be to work in close co-ordination with security personnel, to ensure that there is no fallout of the Sri Lankan offensive against LTTE on Indian soil. The members will have to keep a strict vigil against unidentified persons, objects or boats entering their territories,” a police official said.

“The list of names to be included in the groups is ready. We will vet it and activate the Friends of Police movement. Some information has been received that two families of refugees have reached Thangachi madam. We have to verify facts before confirming if more people are planning to enter India.  The Friends of Police initiative is in the same direction,” the official said.