All major cities and coastal areas in Goa have sand bag posts installed at various points in the run up to Christmas and New Year celebrations to prevent the possibility of a terror attack.
The sand bag posts, where armed policemen would stand guard, are installed at the police headquarters in Panaji and other vital locations including beaches.
“These security measures have been put in place so that armed policemen can take shelter in case of any firing incident,” superintendent of police Atmaram Deshpande said.
Deshpande said that these sand bags are not bunkers are projected by media as they are not underground. He said that they have been installed as a precautionary measure.
Goa, which will attract large number of tourists in the ensuing fortnight, has geared up its security apparatus especially along several vital installations.
The state government, in a recent decision, has banned beach parties while allowing traditional festivities and indoor celebrations to continue.
This had evoked strong resentment from the beach shack owners who had demanded that they should be compensated for the loss.
The state tourism ministry today said that it would support the state home ministry’s ban on beach parties as it was being done in the interest of Goa.
“The steps have been taken to ensure security of the people visiting here so we will not resist any move,” Lyndon Monteiro, officer on special duty to tourism minister, stated.
Courtesy: TOI
