The second intelligence input in the same month that Goa was on the terrorist target has to be taken seriously by the State. Earlier this month security was stepped up when terrorists who were suspected to have entered India from Pakistan were learnt to be planning to attack different cities including Panjim. The new threat is from the ISIS who plans to target Goa and Rajasthan as an attack on these States would include foreign tourists giving them international coverage. Terrorists are now looking at soft targets. The terrorist attack at Brussels last week not only shocked the world and numbed Europe but proved that no city in the world is safe from an attack. Goa, therefore, just cannot afford to ease up on security measures.
The input came in even as Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley has been releasing information in batches. Every day of his interrogation last week, he has made a new revelation, whether it was of the United States funding his trip to Pakistan, the LeT plan to kill Bal Thackeray, or his hatred for India since his school was bombed by Indian planes during the 1971 war. Earlier in February he had revealed that Ishrat Jehan was an LeT member. Headley has turned approver in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case and is testifying from the US via video link. Much of what he has to say may be shocking the Indian intelligence agencies. He has made vague statements, but most frightening is his revelation that he suggested that the attackers who died in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks should be given Pakistan’s highest military gallantry award, the Nishan-e-Haider. It is frightening and also dangerous because by doing so, terrorism is in a manner being glamourised, and the misguided youth drawn into the web given a sense of importance.
Against this background, of the terror threat inputs and the revelations by Headley, what can’t be overlooked is the fact that this is not the first time that Goa has been on the radar of terror organisations. Goa, with the number of foreign tourists it draws has also drawn terrorists, some who spent their time here hiding, others actively scouring potential targets. Headley himself visited Goa staking out areas for possible targets of terrorist attacks in the State. The Chabad House in Anjuna was one of the areas that Headley had conducted a recce during his stay in Goa.
Unlike in Europe where terrorism enters countries crossing borders, India has its own homegrown variety of terrorism. There have been numerous communal riots, Naxal attacks, and other separatist movements that have reared their ugly heads in the past. But the kind of terrorism that the ISIS and the likes of Headley bring in is different. This is armed warfare that strikes at anytime and anywhere. It doesn’t target an individual enemy. Its target is to kill indiscriminately and grab attention. When Mumbai was attacked in November 2008, the world watched on live television as events unfolded in the city. When a Naxal attack takes place in India the world remains unaware and it is quickly forgotten. It is this glamourisation that in the years to come will fan terrorism and get such movements more members.
The reason the ISIS wants to target Goa is because an attack on this State will lead to casualties of foreigners and so bring in the international media. Terrorism today is not just about ideologies, but also about getting mileage and Goa as a tourist destination will give a terror organisation just that. Goa needs to immediately tighten security. Its law enforcing and security agencies also need to have the equipment to fight terrorists. That is an area in which Goa is wanting. It can afford to be complacent no more. Terror is knocking on Goa’s doors and the State has to be prepared to fight it back.
