(a) whether some bags of aluminium ingots meant to be sent to Sri Lanka were
seized by the Tamil Nadu police;
(b) if so, whether an LTTE boat with substantial quantity of high power explosives
was destroyed in the high seas of Chennai;
(c) if so, the details in this regard;
(d) whether Tamil Nadu is becoming a haven for the LTTE; and
(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government to eliminate the operation and support
of LTTE in Tamil Nadu?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a) : As per available information, aluminium alloy bars, meant to be sent to Sri Lanka
have been intercepted by Indian Naval Detachment, in two incidents during
February, 2007.
(b)&(c) : The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a sea boat belonging to LTTE, with five
crew-Arms and ammunition were recovered. Interrogation of the arrested persons
revealed that the boat was lined with concealed explosives. As it was not possible to
take out the explosives safely, the same were detonated along with the boat in the high
sea off the Chennai coast.
(d) : A large number of Sri Lankan refugees have been staying in Tamil Nadu, in view
of disturbed conditions in Sri Lanka. It may not be correct to say that Tamil Nadu is
becoming haven for the LTTE.
(e) : The State Government has taken legal action against the LTTE elements and others
in all cases of illegal activities, and offenders have been booked under the relevant law(s).
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy have also intensified patrolling along the Tamil
Nadu coast.