IFFI venues lack adequate security
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, NOV 22
Even as the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2010 was kicked-off at Kala Academy today evening, the venues witnessed lack of security arrangements as security equipments were yet to be put in place.
Superintendent of Police (Security) Tony Fernandes said that the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) was asked to arrange for the metal detectors but they were yet to get it.
“We had requested for 20 metal detectors and 40 Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs). They (EGS) assured to provide us by today evening or tomorrow,” he said.
Goa Police is equipped with only nine metal detectors, which are installed at Kala Academy and INOX courtyard, while remaining locations are without security machineries.
The officer said that the festival is however under strict security vigilance and that some 15 CCTVs are installed at the venues. “We are stressing at more security equipments also because of the approaching Feast of St Xavier on December 3,” he said.
The IFFI inaugural function was held at Kala Academy with Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra, Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, ESG CEO Manoj Shrivastava and others.
As many as 700 policemen and two platoons of Central Industrial Security Force have taken over the security cover at the venues.
