No further incidents in TN
No incidents on touring Sri Lankan pilgrims in Chennai has been
reported since the two attacks allegedly by pro-LTTE gangs in Chennai
two weeks ago.
Sri Lanka's Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai Vadivel Krishnamurthy
said the situation for Lankan pilgrims has improved since the disturbing
reports that created a fear pshycosis among would be travellers to Tamil
Nadu.
"Tamil Nadu Government has written to me extending their assurances,
in response to the concerns raised by us on the safety of pilgrims'' he
said.
He said the law requiring hotels to register foreign guests is not
something new in Chennai it had been there for some time.
"It was not implemented strictly. Following these incidents this rule
has been revived in order to ensure security of foreigners including Sri
Lankans," he said.
Individuals on short stay don't need to heed to this regulation, but
those who are staying for more than 14 days in Tamil Nadu, such as those
visiting for medical treatment will have to register with the police, he
explained adding that tour operators have been informed of these
requirements.
It is learnt that some of the tour operators postponed their group
trips to Velankanni and other pilgrim cities in Chennai in the aftermath
of these incidents.
-MF
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