Security agencies on alert after LeT infiltration

Security agencies on alert after LeT infiltration
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, DEC 24
State Government has directed all security agencies in Goa to remain alert after four alleged members of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba are believed to have infiltrated into Mumbai to carry out violent attacks.
Though the officials in Goa have ruled out specific threat here, the security agencies including Goa police, marine police, Indian Navy, Coast Guard and more specifically fishermen are asked to remain vigilant.
“It is a general alert in the country. At a meeting couple of days ago, we have asked all security agencies to step up security…there is no specific threat to Goa though,” Chief Secretary Sanjay Shrivastava told Herald today evening.
Goa police have confirmed that they have intensified marine and regular patrolling. “We have been informed that there is a possibility of the intrusion from the coast. It can be from anywhere on the western coast, including Goa,” police spokesperson Atmaram Deshpande said.
Taking no chance in wake of past terror threats, the authorities well in advance requested Central Government to deploy central Para-military force in Goa starting from International Film Festival of India till January first week.
“The Centre has already sent Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to Goa to assist the existing security force for Christmas and New Year. We are assured more Para-military companies soon,” he said refusing to divulge details.
Following Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008, a total of 375 CRPF and RAF personnel were rushed to Goa by the Centre in the wake of intelligence reports suggesting that the tourist hot spot might be a terror target during the Christmas and New Year revelries.
Whereas, in 2009, nearly 400 additional paramilitary troopers were sourced from the central government to gear up for the two high profile events  – IFFI and the President Prathibha Patil’s visit –  and December celebrations.