Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, May 7: In response to the recent Pahalgam incident in Kashmir, heightened security measures have been enforced along the Karnataka coast, including Malpe, as part of 'Operation Sindhoor'. The Coastal Security Police (CSP) have intensified surveillance along the shoreline.

The 324-km-long coastal stretch covering Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts includes CSP stations at Mangaluru, Malpe, Karwar, Kumta, Bhatkal, Hejamady, Honnavar, Belekeri, and Gangolli. All these stations have increased their security vigilance.

Over 340 personnel are deployed under nine police stations, with 180 specifically part of the Coastal Control Force. Surveillance operations are being conducted round the clock using 13 boats and jet skis, informed coastal security SP Mithun Kumar.

"Following the Pahalgam incident, our personnel are on high alert. Precautionary measures have been further intensified. A mock civil defence drill was conducted in Karwar today. Boats operating in the sea are being checked more rigorously than on regular days," he said.

On May 7, CSP patrol boats conducted surveillance in the old port area of Mangaluru. Alongside, a mock operation was also carried out to inspect boats in the vicinity.

Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and the Coastal Security Police are maintaining close watch over activities along the shoreline and in deep sea. Coast Guard vessels are already patrolling the sea 24x7, with heightened surveillance over foreign vessels.

SP Mithun Kumar added that continuous patrols are being carried out in shifts using the available fleet of boats. A review meeting was held in Malpe today. Boats arriving from other districts are being inspected, and four boats have been penalised over the past four days. Anyone found suspicious is being subjected to questioning, he noted.