Alert sounded for Goa beaches ahead of New Year

PANAJI: Goa's popular beaches are put on a alert following specific inputs regarding terror threats to the Western Coast, ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities, police said today.

The State Information and Publicity department in its release issued today said prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in North Goa district.

The alert is based on the "prevailing situation in the country, intelligence inputs regarding terrorist threat(s) to the Western coast of India and possibility of the anti-social elements, with an intention of committing crime, striking Goa.

The coastal state, famous for its picturesque beaches, is a favourite tourist destination and is known for hosting elaborate New Year bashes and solemn Christmas festivities.

In the backdrop of the alert, police have asked the hotel owners and the cyber cafes to be more cautious as their premises may be misused for anti-national activities.

Goa receives 25 lakh tourists every year, including 4 lakh foreigners.