MARGAO: There was no Diwali celebration for the over 200 paramilitary personnel of Sastra Sima Bal, who are in Goa to provide security for the on-going FIFA under 17 World Cup and are housed at Navelim panchayat ghar premises.

The paramilitary personnel look after security at three stadiums, where the teams practice - Benaulim, Vasco and Bambolim – working in three shifts.

At any given time only two-thirds of the personnel are at Navelim. Locals living near the panchayat ghar are very impressed with their behaviour, as they are different from migrants living in Goa.

“They are so disciplined that we hardly even realise that there are people living in the building, even though our house is just next door,” said Aparna Tengse, who was also very impressed with the cleanliness maintained by them.

Meals are prepared at the panchayat ghar by the special staff handling the kitchen. The cooking team commences their work at around 4 am and finish only at around 10.30 pm when the lights in the area used as kitchen are switched off.

The meals whether it is lunch or dinner for the personnel on duty at the grounds is prepared at Navelim and delivered to whichever place they are.