Paradip: Security was tightened at Paradip Port in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district after a Hong Kong-flagged merchant vessel, ‘MT Siren II,’ carrying crude oil for Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), anchored at the port’s SPM terminal on Wednesday morning.
The ship, which traveled from South Korea via Singapore, has 25 crew members, 21 of whom are Pakistani nationals.
Following verification by the Paradip Immigration Department, the Marine Police, CISF, Customs Department, and port authorities were alerted. A robust security setup, including armed personnel from multiple agencies, is now monitoring the vessel and crew 24/7, with strict instructions barring Pakistani crew members from disembarking.
The agencies also conducted thorough vessel searches and document verification of all crew members.
Sources informed that authorities have ordered the vessel to remain at the terminal until the crude oil unloading is complete. “Security measures were intensified immediately after immigration authorities identified Pakistani nationals among the crew. While two Indian crew members were permitted to disembark, the Pakistani crew will remain onboard,” Jagatsinghpur SP Bhawani Sankar Udgata told the media.
This response reflects heightened national security concerns, leading authorities to exercise maximum caution.
Notably, the port was put on high alert in the wake of rising tensions between India and Pakistan post Operation Sindoor. The security was ramped up, with additional forces stationed at major locations.
Tourists were also restricted from accessing certain areas within the Port.
In addition, the movement of incoming vessels has since been closely monitored to prevent any security threats.
