The National Security Guards (NSG), the country’s elite counter terror force has warned that global terror outfits like the dreaded ISIS and al-Qaeda could join hands and launch a ‘multi-city multiple’ attacks on India and that Goa is on the hit list (Herald, Oct 17). There are two major events scheduled to take place in the State in the next couple of months. Lakhs of pilgrimmes and tourists will be visiting the State for the decennial exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa. Several film personalities from across the globe will be coming to the State for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Lakhs of tourists will also be descending into the state for the festive Christmas season. It is a known fact that top bureaucrats, Central government officials, central ministers and Bollywood stars come to Goa to usher in the New Year. With so much happening in the state, Goa could well be on the terror radar. Terrorists strike when there is an International event taking place and when several people and top personalities converge at one place so that their diabolic activity gets the maximum of coverage. Hence it is essential for Goa to be on the alert and in all preparedness to prevent any misadventure by the terrorists.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
