Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Nov 7: Amid mounting street violence and growing gang rivalries, the Goa government has invoked the National Security Act (NSA) across the State for three months. The decision follows the recent assault on activist Rama Kankonkar and a violent gang clash in Mungul, Margao.

A government order dated November 5, signed by Under Secretary (Home-I) Manthan Naik, empowers the District Magistrates of North and South Goa to issue preventive detention orders against individuals posing a threat to public order.

The move comes after proposals from the Superintendents of Police in both districts cited an alarming rise in serious crimes, including gang fights, assaults, and firing incidents. “With the peak season approaching, the administration wants to ensure that law and order are not compromised,” said a police source.

Goa has recently witnessed multiple high-profile incidents — a custodial assault that left a victim critically injured, a shooting involving India Reserve Battalion constables, nightclub clashes, and a vehicle set ablaze outside a police outpost on the eve of Diwali.

Officials said the government would monitor all anti-social elements, both inside and outside prisons, and seek the cooperation of jail authorities. Under the NSA, individuals can be detained without trial for up to 12 months under specific conditions.

To oversee such detentions, the government has constituted an NSA Advisory Board chaired by former Bombay High Court judge Justice Utkarsh Bakre, with Sayonara Telles Laad and Vandana Tendulkar as members. The Board will review all detention orders, which must be submitted within three weeks for validation.

“The government will keep a close watch on offenders and take strict preventive measures to safeguard public peace,” an official said, adding that any extension of the NSA beyond three months will depend on the law and order situation.