Tamil Nadu safe haven for terrorists: Jayalalithaa

CHENNAI - AIADMK General Secretary J. Jayalalithaa Saturday said Tamil Nadu has turned into a safe haven for terrorists, pointing to the blast on the railway track in Villupuram district.

“The early morning blast early Saturday is an example that the state has turned into a safe haven for terrorists and separatists and the worsening of the law and order in the state,” she said.

“Thousands of passengers have been put to difficulty for more than six hours due to this act of sabotage. As the blast occurred minutes before the arrival of Rockfort Express a major accident was averted by stopping the train,” she said in a statement issued here.

Stating that the state police fear the criminals and separatists, Jayalalithaa said murders, robberies and activities of terrorists and separatists are on the rise in the state.

Passengers of two trains had a narrow escape when a blast destroyed three feet of rail track and caused a four-feet crater around 2 a.m. near Perani railway station, around 160 km from here.

No one claimed responsibility for the explosion. But unconfirmed reports said police recovered a paper stating the blast was to protest against the June 8-11 visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India.

The Salem Express felt a huge jerk while crossing Sithanai village in Villupuram district around 2.20 a.m., forcing the guard to contact station masters of the Perani and Mundiambakkam railway stations.

The railway officials in turn warned the oncoming Rockfort Express driver who slowed down and stopped the train before the blast spot.

Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Letika Saran ruled out the involvement of Maoists in the blast and said it could be the handiwork of local elements.

–Indo Asian News Service