Chennai: Tamil Nadu police are on a high alert over possible protest marches over the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka constructed by the Chinese.
Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police (DGP) has issued an alert to all the 37 district police chiefs of Tamil Nadu over possible protests from ultra Tamil groups, including some Pro-LTTE groups in the state.
The Sri Lankan government has passed the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill giving complete control of the Hambantota port to the Chinese. There were huge criticisms within Sri Lanka that the new law would cede much control to China and that it would affect the sovereignty of the island nation.
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The Sri Lankan government of Rajapakse has however denied it, stating that this would provide much-needed investments to Sri Lanka. In 2017, Sri Lanka had given a port in Hambantota, 250 km from South of Colombo to China on a 99-year lease.
The intelligence agencies are wary of the increasing Chinese footprints in the neighbouring country and that the passing of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission bill is a major strategic concern for India. Protests have already erupted from ultra national Tamil organisations, including several pro-LTTE organisations.
