As Goa plays host to a record number of tourists this time, the state Government has pulled out all security personnel at its disposal amidst fears that a section of activists opposed to the proposed Special Economic Zones may disrupt the New Year celebrations. Adding to the fear is a report from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs which had warned of a Bali-type terror attack in Goa.

Obviously, the state Government is not taking any chances. Apart from its own police force numbering 6000, three companies of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed across the state.

According to sources, the police presence has been beefed across the beaches of north Goa especially in places like Baga, Anjuna, Calangute and Candolim where most of the visitors from India and abroad congregate.

“The atmosphere in the country is such that we can’t take any risks,” Chief Secretary J P Singh told The Indian Express. Though the protesters opposed to the SEZs have withdrawn their threats to disrupt the New Year celebrations, security will remain as tight as was originally planned, Singh said.

As a precautionary measure, the authorities have installed closed circuit television cameras and video equipment to monitor movement of people and track suspicious behaviour, officials said.

For the first time, the authorities have decided to involve local residents in policing. Apart from hoteliers, representatives of auto-drivers, shopkeepers and vendors have met officials of local police stations and were briefed on potential suspicious behaviour by terrorists.

... contd.