High security for PM’s visit to Sri Lanka





by Our Special Correspondent

(July 24, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) Elite commandos from India’s Special Forces, fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, air defence guns, mobile radars and naval destroyers are likely to be part of the elaborate security arrangements being put into place by India to prepare for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the Sri Lankan Capital Colombo for the Saarc summit on August 2 and 3.

The security arrangements are being put in place in consultation with the Sri Lankan security forces to guard the Prime Minister from any threat by the dreaded LTTE. Sources said that a much larger contingent from the Special Protection Group is likely to be deployed to protect the Prime Minister. The security arrangements for the PM visit are being monitored by the national security adviser (NSA) M.K. Narayanan.

The threat from the LTTE is being taken seriously because of the capabilities that the terrorist outfit has shown in recent times.

The LTTE demonstrated its air-power last year by getting its small aircraft to fly at tree-top levels, escape radar detection and attack Sri Lankan ground installations. India is seriously contemplating moving mobile radars to Sri Lanka to provide "on-the-spot air cover" for the Prime Minister.
- Sri Lanka Guardian