Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa has been placed on alert following a tipoff from the Central Intelligence Agencies of twin threats from the Islamic State and Al-Qaida.
Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh said district officials have been briefed and alerted. “Anti-Terror Squad has been put on alert and we are constantly sharing inputs with agencies and have alerted our intelligence networks.”
The central intelligence agencies have provided specific inputs about locations that could be possible targets. Sources said efforts are on to identify the Israeli nationals in the State currently and maintain vigil at the places frequented by them.
Police sources said during the tourist season so far, over 2,600 Israelis have visited the State on transit visa and two Israelis are staying in Goa on long term visa. Of the three Chabad Houses in the State, two in North Goa – Anjuna and Morjim – are currently not operational and only one in Canacona in South Goa is currently operational.
The sources confirmed that the Chabad House is frequented by Jews on Saturdays and Sundays and around 10 people visited the prayer house in Canacona during the weekend.
A senior officer said that the inputs suggest terrorists might try to use a vehicle or knife in the attacks.
