State intelligence agency issues alert that deployment of hi-tech gadgets threatens national security
State intelligence agency issues alert that deployment of hi-tech gadgets threatens national security
Tamil Nadu has flagged serious security concerns over the increasing presence of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Sri Lanka. An alert issued by the state’s intelligence agency a few days ago said Chinese activities in the neighboring country were a matter of national security concern and called for intensive surveillance on the coast.
The movement of PLA cadres and deployment of high-tech equipment such as satellites, drones and other communication equipment in northern Sri Lanka requires constant monitoring in coastal districts, said an advisory sent to all cities/districts in the state. Citing sources, the alert claimed that the PLA deployed sophisticated gadgets under the guise of starting sea cucumber cultivation.
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The security advisory comes days after the same agency issued a warning that a handful of Chinese nationals had entered India by sea with the help of cadres belonging to a Sri Lanka-based political party.
Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group had also issued an alert citing a central intelligence agency Chinese ship used to monitor satellites, rockets and China’s inter-continental missile launches docked at Hambantota portand called for adequate security arrangements in view of critical installations such as nuclear installations and ports along the Tamil Nadu coast.
The free movement of Chinese nationals in several parts of northern Sri Lanka, including Mulaithivu, Paruthitheevu, Analaitheevu, Meesalai and Chavakkacheri, had caused discontent among Tamil fishermen. He expressed apprehension that the Chinese were exploiting the rich maritime wealth, which is their only source of livelihood.
The alert said the fear of local Tamils was that the current situation could lead to division among Sri Lankan citizens and reduce India’s influence on Tamils living in the northern and eastern parts of the island nation.
Security concerns on Chinese research vessel in Hambantota
Tamil Nadu had strengthened security along the southeast coast following the advice of the central government. A Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5 arrives at Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka on 11 August. With the vessel equipped with space/satellite tracking and intercontinental ballistic missile launch facilities, the state activated its intelligence machinery at critical installations along the 1,076-km-long coastal belt, sources said.
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Later Sri Lanka approves arrival of Chinese satellite-tracking ship For its Chinese-funded Hambantota port in August this year, India expressed concern over the tour. The Ministry of External Affairs said that India is carefully monitoring developments that affect its security and economic interests.
When asked for his comments, Additional Director General of Police and Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group chief Sandeep Mittal said that it is not a disputed fact that the presence of Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka is increasing. The frequent visits of the Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka to islands near the International Maritime Boundary Line, and drone surveys in the area under the guise of assessing the possibilities of harvesting sea cucumber, made developments suspicious.
“While India is offering scholarships to Sri Lankan students pursuing undergraduate programs in India, China is offering postgraduate Sri Lankan students studying in their home country. it is obvious that they [the Chinese] Trying to woo the youth in Sri Lanka to support their future plans,” he said.
Dr. Mittal, who is also the State Maritime Security Coordinator, said there is no guarantee that only the Chinese will infiltrate into Indian waters. He said, “Anyone cultivated by him to further his mission can enter the porous border along the south-east coast… But an alert has been issued to intensify the security,” he said.
Security agencies in Tamil Nadu say there is an urgent need for the central government to activate the funding of Phase III of the Coastal Security Scheme. After Phase II ended in 2020, funding and infrastructural support for the Coastal Security Group was closed.
Ranjan Mathai speaks to us on the possible entry of the Yuan Wang 5 into the Sri Lankan port and issues relating to India on it.
According to a senior police official, the Center should help Tamil Nadu raise some Indian Marine Reserve battalions to be deployed at convenient locations along the coast in view of rising threat perceptions. About 50% of the sanctioned strength of 800 personnel for Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group are vacancies. The group was managing 42 maritime police stations, check-posts and territorial waters with limited manpower.
The official, who did not wish to be named, said the Indian government has not yet approved setting up of a regional maritime coastal security training academy, though the Tamil Nadu government has already allotted 240 acres of land near Rameswaram.