PANJIM: Coming from the challenging erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Satya Pal Malik, who recently took oath as the Governor of Goa, has been given enhanced security. As part of the strict security measures, Raj Bhavan will be closed to visitors for six months.
The State government had reviewed the security at Raj Bhavan before Malik’s arrival to the State following which, the Home Department was directed to heighten security measures, in and around the vast premises.
This also means that the Governor will be accompanied by additional trained personnel, even when he steps out of his official residence to participate in any gathering or event.
The 73-year-old served as Governor of the State of Jammu & Kashmir – a largely militarised region – until it was bifurcated into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Z+ security cover to Malik, was incidentally also provided to his predecessor Mridula Sinha. However, his security layout is enhanced.
“The security arrangements are heightened at Raj Bhavan considering that he (Malik) served in J&K, infamous for violence. Additional Quick Response Teams and personnel have been added to the existing security team,” said an officer declining to divulge details.
In his first media interaction after taking oath as Goa Governor, Malik had conceded that his earlier stint was at a problematic place of Jammu & Kashmir, but he has dealt with it successfully. He took oath as Governor of the then State of Jammu & Kashmir on August 23, 2018 and after over a year, he was transferred to Goa.
“I have come from Kashmir which was known to be a very problematic place. I have dealt there successfully and successfully handled all the issues there. Now I have come to a peaceful, a good place (Goa) which is progressing…I feel I will spend a good tenure here (Goa)…” he was quoted as saying after the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday.
