Daijiworld Media Network - Goa
Report from ARES
Panaji, Jul 29: Goa has mounted security around its vital installations and tourist places following Bangalore and Ahmedabad blasts.
Police presence along beaches and Old Goa world heritage monuments is intensified. The state has requisitioned two companies of central security forces which will keep a vigil across the state in addition to the 3,000-odd Goa police force.
Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat had reviewed the security situation in the state on Saturday by holding meeting with chief secretary J P singh and other police bosses.
Immediately after the Saturday's high level meet, the state has sent request for two companies of para military forces, which are likely to be stationed in the state till next month when the state will celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.
"The state will witness unusual rush during Ganesh Chaturthi festival. We are taking abundant precautions that the terrorists don't strike during that period," a senior police officer stated.
The state being a tourist destination can be on the terror target as the state had received warning during new year celebrations of 2004, 2005, 2006 and even last year.
Goa's positioning on the terror radar was confirmed during the crackdown on SIMI when the activists confirmed their plans to attack the tourist state.
Police officials who met today decided to increase police presence on the beaches and tourist places especially at world heritage monument at Old Goa, which is a cluster of famous churches.
"The para military forces will be deployed at Old Goa and beaches in addition to the Goa police staff," officials stated.
Though no formal statement is issued by the state government about the red alert in the state, the director general of police B S Brar on Saturday had said that the alert would continue for next two days.
The police have increased checking along the state borders and frisking and checkings have been increased.
Police stated that their action is more of a preventive to ensure that Goa is not vulnerable for the terror attack.