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Israel terror: Rane says Goa is peaceful

     Panaji: A day after the Israeli Government advisory asked its citizens not to travel to Goa in the light of a threat of possible al-Qaida attack, Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane today said the state was peaceful and there was no reason to panic. Rane said tight security arrangements were in place in the state.

    "We have taken all possible steps to ensure security in the state. There is no reason to fear. We are always prepared to tackle anything," he said. "Goa is a peaceful state and we want to maintain it," Rane added. Meanwhile, officials have denied any intelligence warning of possible terror attacks. However, the state is on general alert for the tourist season, they said. In a statement on Wednesday, the Israel's Foreign Ministry said: "Within the framework of al-Qaeda's terror threats in India, there is now a concrete threat focusing on the Goa region where multitudes of visitors, including Israelis, gather in late- December". It further stated those travelling to Goa in the next few weeks will be under serious threat of al Qaida attacks and must stay away from the Goan beaches. A similar warning was issued a few weeks back by the Indian authorities that there was an intelligence alert that al-Qaida was planning a Bali-like attack in Goa over the holiday season. Following these reports, security was tightened across the state. The 2002 Bali bombings had killed 202 people, including many foreigners. Many tourists from India and abroad come down to Goa in late December and early January to participate in the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The Goa trance (form of electronic music) attracts many Israelis each year. Over four lakh tourists flock to Goa's beaches and palm groves during the peak season from October to March.
-Dec 14,  2006

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