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Security beefed up in Goa for New Year

     Panjim: Security has been stepped up in Goa the wake of recent terror threat ahead of New Year celebrations. "Just before Christmas, we had enhanced the security.

    Similarly, just before New Year eve, may be tomorrow or day after tomorrow, we will again enhance it. Security is there today also but then special measures shall be taken. As I have mentioned, the number of quick reaction teams, mobile vans shall be increased," said B. S. Brar, Goa's Director General of Police. The security arrangements have been tightened at railway stations, the lone airport in the state and at all major tourists hot spots. Goa has been on high alert since last month after intelligence agencies warned of a "Bali-like" attack, referring to the 2002 bombing that killed 202 people, including several foreigners. Israel had warned its nationals visiting Goa during Christmas holidays face a "concrete threat" of an al Qaeda attack and advised against travelling to the popular beach area. A national newspaper has also reported that the Central Government was considering issuing a New Year terror alert in Goa. The daily said the move comes after Indian missions in West Asia and North Africa reported that intelligence inputs warning of a terror strike in Goa tallied with information obtained from interrogation of militants arrested in these regions. "The Centre is mulling directions to the state government seeking all steps to keep the tourist destination - particularly beaches and night clubs - secure during festivities leading up to and including New Year's Day," said the paper. The tourists, however, said they did not care about the threats and wanted to enjoy their vacations. "We haven't noticed anything extraordinary here, it's the same everywhere.

     Security measures are very important. We have seen couple of police patrols with firearms. But this is nothing. Yes, we have heard about security threats, but in today's world, it's everywhere. So we are not concerned. Not really," said John, a foreign tourist. Nearly 400,000 tourists flock to Goa's beaches and palm groves during the peak October-March season. The state is a favourite with inland and foreign tourists alike. India has been on a heightened security alert after a series of bombs on commuter trains in Mumbai killed 186 people in July this year.
-Dec 27,  2006

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