Security has been tightened at all the venues for the forthcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas following threats from the Deccan Mujahideen to repeat the Mumbai-style terrorist attacks during the function, a senior police official said Thursday.
"The email bearing the threat was sent to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's office as well as to top officials in New Delhi. As a result, we have mounted an operation to tighten the security in this city. No effort will be spared to prevent any attack," the official told IANS.
"Since our security measures are virtually foolproof, there is no need for any panic," the official added.
The email originated from Saudi Arabia, the official said.
Deccan Mujahideen was the group that claimed responsibility for the terrorist attacks on Mumbai on Nov 26.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, to be held between Jan 7 and 9, would be attended by over 1,500 delegates.
The function, to be held for the first time in Chennai since it was made an annual programme in 2003, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The valedictory address will be given by President Pratibha Patil.
The president will also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards Jan 9.
{{/usCountry}}The president will also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards Jan 9.
{{/usCountry}}Important guests at this year's function include Mauritius' Vice President Angidi Chettiar, Fiji's former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhury and Malaysian former minister Samy Vellu.
The event is being organised by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Tamil Nadu government and the Confederation of Indian Industry.
The theme is 'Engaging the Diaspora - the Way Forward', with sessions reflecting diaspora concerns on the current economic crisis and cultural linkages with India.
There will also be separate meetings on different states, which will be attended by chief ministers, including Kerala's VS Achuthananthan and Gujarat's Narendra Modi.