No Restrictions for Beach Parties in Goa

PANAJI: On a day of confusing and conflicting stands by various government departments, south Goa collector GP Naik issued an order on Thursday 
banning parties, musical nights, beach shows and fireworks on south Goa beaches from December 23, 2008 to January 5, 2009, but withdrew the same later in the day. 

Naik in his order, issued under section 144 of CrPC, had said that "being convinced from the police report as well as other circumstantial facts, I am of the opinion that there is sufficient ground for proceeding under section 144 of CrPC and immediate preventive of speedy remedy is desirable." 

It is learnt that the government came under tremendous pressure from the tourism lobby and the order had to be withdrawn. 

Earlier, chief minister Digambar Kamat had announced that the party is on and there are absolutely no curbs being planned against festivities including midnight masses or outdoor dances during the Christmas season, Kamat was speaking to the media after the Congress legislature party meeting at his Altinho residence, where Home minister Ravi Naik briefed Congress legislators on security arrangements in the state and elicited their views for consideration. 

Kamat said, "We are taking all precautions. There is no need to panic. The hype is damaging the state and the tourism sector. There are rumours that hotels will be closed during the Christmas season but that is not true." 

Naik repeated the assurances. "There is no problem in Goa, everything is safe. In fact, tourist arrivals have picked up over the last few days. Security has been intensified and we are personally monitoring the security scenario," Naik said. 

When specifically asked if there were curbs on midnight masses or outdoor dances during the season, Naik replied in the negative. "These are our traditions. There is no need to put any curbs on these as we have tightened the security," Naik said. 

The Home minister said he is personally monitoring the security situation and instructions are being issued down to the level of a police constable. In view of the heightened checking and nakabandi , Naik appealed to the people to cooperate with the police and furnish any information they might come across. Naik said he also sought suggestions from Congress legislators to boost security. 
 

In the order, the south Goa collector had said that a report received from the Inspector General of Police on December 17 stated that a it was "necessary to ban all parties or musical nights or shows on the beaches during the last week of December and first week of January as intelligence inputs clearly indicate that terrorists may strike the coastal belt during this period." 

Alert on public call offices 

PANAJI: A general alert has been issued to all pay phone operators in the state, especially those with coin boxes. Sources say the police issued instructions to operators to maintain a register of those using the phone, be alert and observe those making calls. This is to ensure that no hoax call is made to divert police attention.