Enough security being provided to Jayalalithaa : DMK

CHENNAI - The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Government in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday said enough security is being provided to former chief minister and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader J. Jayalalithaa in view of the alleged death threats received by her recently.

“Sometimes, threats by way of letters are issued even to the chief minister, union home minister and other leaders. Probe is undertaken in such issues and proper action taken,” the government said in media advertisements a day after AIADMK leaders met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi asking him to direct the Tamil Nadu Government to augment security to their leader J Jayalalithaa.

“Cases had been filed in connection with the recent threats issued to her and investigation was on,” it added.

“Jayalalithaa has Z Plus security, besides 75 personnel including two DSPs on her security duty. 12 persons of the National Security Guard (NSG) accompany her convoy and she has been provided with a bullet-proof car with a driver from state police department,” the government said.

“Similar security is provided when she visits Kodanadu or Siruthavur (for vacationing) which is more than the prescribed provisions of the Z plus and NSG security category. The district authorities are instructed to ensure law and order during her visits. Therefore, she is being provided with adequate security,” it added.

The government further said anti-sabotage checks are also being carried out in AIADMK leader’s residential locality in the mornings.

Earlier on Tuesday, a delegation of MPs met Dr Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, and asked them to direct the Tamil Nadu Government to augment security to their leader.

The MPs alleged that the “Tamil Nadu Government seems to be lackadaisical in its treatment of the death threat issued” to Jayalalithaa, possibly under the impression that she would refrain from addressing a public meeting in Madurai.

Dr Singh assured the delegation that he would he will prevail upon the Tamil Nadu Government to further tighten security for AIADMK General Secretary J. Jayalalithaa.

Chidambaram too gave a similar assurance to the delegation of 14 MPs, led by their leader and Lok Sabha MP M. Thambidurai, when they called on both the leaders here on Tuesday.

A letter was recently sent to AIADMK-backed Jaya TV, warning of a bomb attack on Jayalalithaa if she went ahead with a proposed rally in Madurai, considered the bastion of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s son M K Alagiri.

The police had registered two cases in this regard and said the letters appeared to be deliberate attempt to create a controversy.

Earlier, the AIADMK had made representations to the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary demanding adequate security for their leader. (ANI)