New Delhi, Dec 04: India has conveyed its serious concerns to Sri Lanka over the reported building of a navy fleet, ‘Sea Tigers’, by banned terrorist outfit LTTE in that country, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Replying to written questions, Defence Minister George Fernandes said that the government was aware of the coming up of the LTTE's naval wing but added that the Indian Navy was keeping a tight vigil along the maritime boundary especially the Palk Bay.
One country could not have two navies and therefore, India had conveyed its concerns to Sri Lanka, he said, adding that New Delhi maintains an abiding interest in the security of Sri Lanka and remained committed to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
J&K militancy: the infiltration level continued to remain as high as in the previous years and an estimated 1000 ultras may have entered into the country during the current year, Fernandes said in reply to another question.
He said 104 infiltration bids were foiled in which 269 terrorists have been killed during the current year.
He said Indian Air Force was playing a significant role in the counter insurgency operation which included effective deployment of military and para-military forces in affected areas.
Fernandes also informed the house that 18 additional battalions of Rashtriya Rifles, counter insurgency wing of the army, had been raised during 2001-03.
Bureau Report