Article Posted on : - Mar 14, 2016

KOCHI (PTI): Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Girish Luthra has reviewed the security apparatus in place at Lakshadweep and Minicoy (LAM) islands during his three-day visit which concluded Saturday (March 11).

The Admiral was briefed by the Naval Officer-in-Charge and Commander District HQ-12 on the coastal security mechanism in place, a Navy release said.

Luthra also reviewed the implementation progress of various infrastructure projects as part of the naval perspective plans to bolster the security of the islands.

The LAM islands are strategically important and the Southern Naval Command headquartered at Kochi has been ensuring security in and around the area.

Luthra visited the base depot INS Dweeprakshak at Kavaratti and naval detachments Minicoy and Radar Station Androth where he interacted with the officers and men.

He re-emphasised the importance of infrastructure development in the islands and the need to increase vigil around them.

Luthra was accompanied by the Naval Officer-in-Charge (LAM) and staff from headquarters, Southern Naval Command.

With the increase in piracy activities at sea in the last decade, the Indian Navy has taken many steps to increase surveillance and improve the security around LAM through capacity building and enhanced naval presence in and around the island territories.

It has also formalised plans towards early inauguration of a naval detachment at Androth in addition to the existing naval base at Kavaratti for the purpose.