Terror threat to Sonia: TN police taking all precautions

Tamil Nadu police is taking 'all security precautions' following a reported terror threat from banned LTTE to Congress President Sonia Gandhi during her election campaign tour.

Tamil Nadu police is taking “all security precautions” following a reported terror threat from banned LTTE to Congress President Sonia Gandhi during her election campaign tour,state Director General of Police K P Jain said.

“We are aware of the threat… we are taking all security precautions,” he said.

According to reports,the southern states had been asked to remain extra vigilant in the wake of the latest threat.

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Tamil Nadu goes to polls in the last phase on May 13.

The threat could emanate from LTTE and pro-LTTE elements in view of “discontent” (among pro-Eelam groups over India’s refusal to intervene and enforce a ceasefire in the island where the militant outfit has been confined to a very small stretch of territory),top police sources said adding such alerts had been received for Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Security had been stepped up for Karunanidhi last week following a death threat,suspected to be from LTTE,while Union Home Ministry had issued advisories,among others,to AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa,a staunch critic of LTTE.

On Monday,IB officials had held a closed-door meeting with high-ranking state police officials on providing security to top leaders touring the state for electioneering.

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They were also briefed on the security threat of major political leaders,besides being sensitised on monitoring and preventing terrorist activities. Speaking to reporters in Tiruchirapalli,Jain rejected reports about infiltration of LTTE men into the state.

“The policing of the coastal areas has been strengthened. So far we have not come across any infiltration,” he said.

“Stringent patrolling,establishment of marine police stations,close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard and Naval personnel are helping us to keep complete control over the coastal areas,” the DGP said.