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Shadow of the gun affects tourism in Goa

       Panaji (Goa): The deployment of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel at all important tourist venues in Goa, has left foreign tourists anxious and scared. Gun-toting security personnel stick out at all locations, day and night. Some of the visible security is a welcome step, but admit that it could also be counter-productive. "I feel they have just taken precaution for the threat of attack. I think the security can keep a vigil for any kind of attacks. I do not feel scared I feel normal," said Adam, a British tourist. "I do not feel scared as in Britain also I can see security quite often. We often see police officers with guns and especially places like airport. So it doesn't scare me at all," added Helen, another British tourist. Goa's beaches are packed with tourists, both domestic and foreign. Goa tourism officials say that the sight of security personnel on the beaches provides some kind of reassurance to the tourists that they are safe. "Well, security personnel on beaches are definitely a matter of assurance and I don't think there is any perception of where people should feel unaware about such a think. It is to highlight that we are alert and it is for the security of tourist visiting Goa. We care for them and we care for their security," said Sanjit Rodrigues, Managing Director, Goa Tourism Corporation Ltd. Goa's Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane refused suggestions of tourism being affected by terror threats in the state. "This is a routine thing, and we have to be always on guard to see what is happening on the neighbouring areas in the state. We do not want to be caught napping," said Pratapsinh Rane, Chief Minister of Goa. Every year, over 23 lakh tourists converge on Goa for a holiday. Out of these, more than three lakh tourists are from Europe and the U.S.A. This is probably the first time in Goa's history that its beaches.
-Nov 15,  2006

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