Herald: Khalistan Liberation Force Chief Harminder Singh Mintoo’s Goa connection has again proved that Goa is a safe hideout for terrorists. Where is Goa Police lacking?
Vimal Gupta: His plans to meet other escapees from Nabha Jail in Goa and then fly abroad, has not been communicated to us. There is no official confirmation or evidence on record. We have heard this only through the media, there is no source of this information. Nonetheless, we are looking into all the aspects and if there is any network existing, we will expose and break it.
Herald: Has Goa Police failed to ensure that terrorists do not misuse the tourist hub for criminal activities?
Gupta: No. Goa is not a safe hideout. This is just a theory, not fact. We should not overlook the fact that Goans are alert and educated. There is a strong community feeling in the State, which is not seen in other major cities. People here know each other and are connected. It is because of this strong community feeling that carrying out any anti social/terror activities is difficult, whereas in the other cities, people turn a blind eye to any crime or even suspected activities. In Goa, we see people are aware of safety, security and are vocal and interactive. Thanks to the public no terror activities have taken place in the State. Another factor is ‘single command system’ in the Goa Police unlike in other states where no information sharing takes place owing to competition. We have good coordination with each other and act prompt. This makes our response system very effective.
Herald: While Goa Police is on its toes during such crisis, why is it that the security exercises are short lived?
Gupta: Goa Police is on its toes. We are not sleeping. We have good coordination with all the intelligence agencies in the country, and respond and receive information quickly. The whole system is very responsive. We have also set up specialized ATS unit wherein our commandos have undergone training to combat possible terror attacks. We are as good as any other elite forces in the country. We keep conducting mock drills in coordination with other stakeholders, and it is done continuously and on a regular basis.
