This year, full proof security in offing for narkasura contests

This year, full proof security in offing for narkasura contests
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, OCT 15
Narkasur competition on the eve of ensuing Diwali festival will not be the same in the Commercial Capital this time round, as Saturday will mark the first anniversary of the sensational bomb blast that killed two Sanatan Sanstha activist in the city last year.
Even as trial in the case has finally begun, the Margao police are gearing up to throw a full-proof security cover during this year’s narkasura competition in Margao city.
“The police will be on guard this year. Security will not be compromised during the Narkasura festivities in the city”, asserted Margao sub-division police officer, DySP Umesh Gaonkar.
The police are waiting for the outcome of the meeting called by the district Magistrate, South G P Naik on Saturday morning to decide on the venue of the Narkasura festivities.
The district Collector has invited organisers of Carnival, Shigmo and Narkasura to explore the possibility of shifting the parade from the heart of the city to the Swimming pool route. “The police have raised objections to holding the narkasura parade in the heart of the city, near the Margao Municipal square on security consideration”, informed DySP Gaonkar.
But, whether the organisers of the Narkasura competitions will adhere to the new route will be known only on Saturday when the district Magistrate holds an interaction with representatives of the Carnival, Shigmo and Narkasura parade.
So far, the authorities have received an application from Solid Party, seeking permission to hold the Narkasura competition along the traditional route.
Police has maintained that shifting of the parade route to the swimming pool-district court building would have been an ideal situation from the security point of view. But, the men-in-uniform have promised to put in place full-proof security in the city on the night of narkasura competition against the backdrop of last year’s bomb blast.
If DySP Gaonkar is to be believed, the police will mobilize Home Guards to maintain vigil at the parking lots along the Narkasura competition route. “We have no option than to strengthen security in the city as was the case with the Dindi festival”, he said.