There are reports about the likelihood of terrorists infiltrating through the sea routes into the country, Lok Sabha was informed on Thursday.
Terrorists of various outfits, after being imparted training, could use sea routes to enter India, Defence Minister A K Antony said in reply to written questions.
He said the Coast Guard has prepared plans to augment its strength, infrastructure and assets to further improve its effectiveness all along the coastal areas, including Kerala.
He also identified maritime terrorism, gun-running, drug trafficking and piracy as major threats from the sea borders and elaborated on the measures being taken to enhance coastal security.
Antony said a case of involvement of three army personnel with a terrorist outfit in Jammu and Kashmir had come to government's notice. These personnel have admitted to have provided items like clothing, boots, SIM cards, torch cells to the terrorists, fearing threats to their families.
Stringent disciplinary action has been initiated based on the outcome of the Court of Inquiry, he said.
To another question, he said 38 terrorists were killed and 39 apprehended by the Army, while another 11 have surrendered this year. The Army has lost one officer, two junior commissioned officers and eight personnel of other ranks up to February 28 this year.
