Heightened vigil on Karwar coast

The Coast Guard has resorted to rigorous checks on fishing boats for the last three days. The personnel are keeping a strict vigil over the fishing boats from Majali in Karwar to Alvegadde in Bhatkal and also in and around the Nethrani, Koormagad and Devagad islands. The security forces are keeping a close watch on the tourist spots of the district also.

The Coast Guard personnel are creating awareness among the fishermen so that they bring to their notice any suspicious movement of boats and individuals, given the possibility of ultras entering the country through the sea route.

The forces are also subjecting fishing boats from Goa that enter the State’s coastline. While all fishermen from Goa possess smart cards, only 75 per cent of their counterparts in the State have the cards, one of the Coast Guards personnel told Deccan Herald.

High alert
The Navy and the Coast Guards are on high alert to foil any attempts by ultras to enter the country, West Range IGP Alok Mohan has said. Mohan was speaking to reporters during his visit to the City to inaugurate the new office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Additional forces have been deployed at sensitive places, he said. To avoid inconvenience to the public, checks will be carried only at select places, based on intelligence reports, Mohan added.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at Chikmagalur, Home Minister R Ashoka said a 300-men special commando force has been constituted in view of the terror threat in the State. The force would be operational in about 15 days. Vigilance has been stepped up in public places on New Year’s eve, he said.

Security beefed up at Almatti
Security has been beefed up at Almatti reservoir and Gol Gumbaz in view of the intelligence report of a possible terror attack. Private security personnel manning the historic monument have been asked to stay on alert. Additional personnel have been deployed at the reservoir, Superintendent of Police Dr D C Rajappa said.

Coastline data
Karnataka's coastline extends to a length of over 300 km along the Arabian Sea and has two major ports - New Mangalore in Dakshina Kannada district and Karwar in Uttara Kannada district - and ten minor ports. 

Mangalore is about 350 km and Karwar around 550 km west of Bangalore. The beaches like Om beach, particularly in Uttara Kannada district, have become major tourist attractions, particularly among foreign visitors. Uttara Kannada also borders Goa, a popular tourist destination.