Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Security beefed up across the State

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI Feb. 28. Police vigil has been tightened in Tamil Nadu in the wake of yesterday's attack on a train at Godhra in Gujarat, which claimed the lives of more than 55 `Ram Sevaks'. For the police here, the incident came on the eve of the anniversary of the 1998 Coimbatore serial blasts.

Extra vigil is being maintained in the communally sensitive areas of Coimbatore, Sayalkudi, Melapalayam in Tirunelveli district, Dindigul, Nagapattinam and Vellore districts, the Director-General of Police, B. P. Nailwal, told The Hindu when contacted.

Patrolling was intensified and pickets were posted whereever necessary. Security has also been tightened at all major railway stations as a precautionary measure.

While RPF personnel have been posted at vulnerable points, policemen in civil dress are keeping a watch on movements of passengers. Dog squads have been pressed into service and passengers are being frisked before they board trains.

Escorts have been provided on all major trains and empty coaches are thoroughly checked and provided police escorts before being hauled to platforms. Similarly empty coaches are kept under lock and key on yards.

Through the public address system, passengers are requested to avoid articles found abandoned on platforms and trains, according to Southern Railway sources.

No major incident

The Day passed off peacefully. There was picketing programme at the Central Station by Hindu Munnani volunteers. About 30 persons were arrested. Two persons were arrested when they allegedly burnt a `green flag' near Marakkadai Pallivasal within the Dharapuram police station limits in Erode district condemning Islamic fundamentalism. Both were arrested, the DGP said.

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