Team Herald
PANJIM: A four-layer security cordon has been planned for the largest ever DefExpo that begins at Quitol-Betul on Monday. The outermost security layer will mainly comprise of traffic police, while the third security layer will be under the control of State police, who are posted on special duty in an around the venue. The second security ring will be strictly under the control of Central paramilitary forces, while the innermost security will be handled by the Defence forces, Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg told Herald.
He revealed that around 600 police personnel and officers drawn from various police stations and units would be deployed at the venue, while 400-odd personnel have been posted on duty from the Dabolim airport to the hotels booked for the VVIPs and VIPs.
“Plain-clothed personnel attached to the Anti-Terrorist Squad and Intelligence Unit will be on their toes throughout the event, i.e., till March 31,” he added.
Security has been heightened even as there is no threat perception or specific intelligence inputs about a possible terror strike or any untoward incident in Goa.
As many as 47 countries are participating in the event. They are: Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.
As extra security, baggage scanners, a dog squad and women constables will also be deployed at the entry points of the venue.
He also revealed about the installation of over 100 CCTVs and a temporary control room, from where the officers would watch and record every movement at the site. He added, “A deputy superintendent of police will head the control room and remain present 24×7.”
He has also denied any ISIS threat to Goa.
