Thiruvananthapuram: The coastal regions of Kerala have been put on high alert after an Intelligence report stated that at least 15 Islamic State (IS) terrorists were heading towards Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands in a white boat.
The IS terrorists are said to be from Sri Lanka. Kerala was put on alert after probe agencies received information that the culprits behind the Sri Lankan Easter bombings had visited Kerala.
A senior coastal police officer confirmed to Manorama Online that they have received the Intelligence warning and are exercising caution.
The message was sent from the headquarters of the coastal police force to coastal station house officers, and heads of the coastal police station intelligence wing.
They have been instructed to exercise extreme caution along the coastal areas, and to strengthen boat patrolling and coastal beat. Along with beefing up security, the message also instructed to create awareness among fisherfolk.
Other senior officers also confirmed that Intelligence warning has been issued and that the coastal areas have been put on alert.
Sri Lankan army chief Mahesh Senanayake had earlier said that some of the suicide bombers visited Kerala, along with Tamil Nadu, Bengaluru and Kashmir. However, the Indian central probe agencies were investigating whether they received any aid from Kerala. The Sri Lankan agencies are also collecting information.
Reacting to the Sri Lankan army chief's revelations, DGP Loknath Behera had said that the possibility of people from other countries visiting Kerala cannot be ignored as the state was a popular tourist destination. He also said it was for the NIA to react to the Lankan army chief's comments.
