New Delhi: Amid a major political crisis in Sri Lanka, the Indian Coast Guard has stepped up the vigil on the maritime border with the island nation to prevent any possible influx of refugees or anti-India elements from there. It has also deployed hovercrafts, aircraft and patrol boats enhancing surveillance in the areas stretching from the Tamil Nadu coast to the parts of Kerala coast with the deployment of Coast Guard personnel and assets along with other agencies, said an ANI report.
The surveillance activities were stepped up soon after the fresh round of political crisis started in the island nation where people stormed the Presidential palace and the leadership is reported to have fled the capital city, Colombo. Along with the central agencies, the Tamil Nadu Coastal police is also on high alert.
The officials told ANI that ever since the political chaos due to the economic crisis started in Sri Lanka, a few cases of people trying to cross over have taken place but the numbers are not very significant. The monsoon has reportedly made the sea conditions very tough which would be acting as a deterrence against people trying to use the sea route to enter Indian waters.
The officials told ANI that the hovercraft units deployed in Mandalay in Myanmar would play a key role in surveillance activities as they can travel at high speeds in the marshy area as well as shallow waters between the Indian and Sri Lankan coasts. The Dornier surveillance aircraft of the force are also flying more sorties to keep an eye on the maritime border.
India always stood by Sri Lanka, no refugee crisis right now: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that there is no refugee crisis now as India has been providing assistance to Sri Lanka and is monitoring the developments in the island nation. "We have been supportive of Sri Lanka, are trying to help, and have always been helpful. They are working through their problem, we will see what happens. There is no refugee crisis right now," said Jaishankar upon his arrival in Kerala as part of intensifying the BJP`s efforts to make gains in South India.
Jaishankar`s comments reflect how India continues to stand by its neighbours amid difficult times. His remarks particularly hold more importance as Sri Lanka faces an unprecedented political and economic crisis. Under the `neighbourhood first policy`, India has responded with urgency to the government of Sri Lanka`s request for assistance in overcoming hardships and will enhance economic linkages between the two countries be it through infrastructure connectivity and renewable energy.
"India has delivered aid of around 3.5 billion dollars which has been given through currency swap, financing of food, and fuel. medicines and fertilisers," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said earlier. Responding to a question on India-Sri Lanka ties, he said "We have responded with urgency to the government of Sri Lanka`s request for assistance for overcoming hardships," adding that "India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and works in their best interest."
Underlining the fact that India has been giving priority to the `neighbourhood first policy`, Arindam Bagchi said, " India will try to enhance economic linkages between the two countries be it through infrastructure connectivity and renewable energy."
In line with its "neighbourhood first" policy, India has been highly active to help Sri Lanka during its economic crisis. More than 25 tons of drugs and medical supplies which were donated by the Government and people of India during the last two months are valued at close to SLR 370 million. This is in addition to the economic assistance of around USD 3.5 billion and supply of other humanitarian supplies such as rice, milk powder, and kerosene.
Also read: India committed $3.8 bn to support Sri Lanka this year: Jaishankar
These humanitarian supplies are in continuation of the government of India`s ongoing support to the people of Sri Lanka in multiple forms such as financial assistance, forex support, material supply and many more. These efforts prove that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s `Neighborhood First` policy which places people-to-people engagement is still active.
Also read: No gas, nothing to eat: Fresh protests erupt in Sri Lanka amid economic crisis
Sri Lanka has been suffering a diesel shortage since February, which led to hours of daily power cuts. Presently, Sri Lanka is struggling with acute food and electricity shortages, forcing the country to seek help from its neighbours. The recession is attributed to foreign exchange shortages caused by a clampdown on tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sri Lanka is unable to buy sufficient fuel and gas, while the people are being deprived of basic amenities as well.
Meanwhile, several dramatic videos have been doing the rounds on social media after Saturday`s upheaval where thousands of protesters stormed his official residence in the capital of Colombo, forcing him to flee to an unknown location.
Demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa`s resignation, protesters stormed into the President`s house, tore down security cordons placed by police, took a dip in the swimming pool and romped through his kitchen and home.
Sri Lankan protesters also broke into Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe`s private residence and set it on fire, angered by the unprecedented economic crisis. The police also fired tear gas at the protesters but despite that, they entered PM`s house and set the house on fire.
Meanwhile, Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) fire brigade said they were informed that the Prime Minister`s private residence in Colombo was set on fire and its teams were unable to reach the location due to the unrest, according to Daily Mirror.
Wickremesinghe, who was appointed as Prime Minister in May, has announced that he will resign from his post in order to ensure the continuation of the government and the safety of all the citizens.Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also agreed to step down from his post on Wednesday.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva, who urged all citizens to give their support to the armed forces and the police in order to maintain peace in the country, made these remarks in a special statement accompanied by Tri Force Commanders.
Several journalists were also attacked by the security forces after which more protestors gathered in the area, Daily Mirror reported, adding that police resorted to water cannons to stop the enraged protestors.
(With ANI Inputs)
