Top officials meet to review security in state

NT NETWORK
Posted on 2008-12-24
PANAJI- The government on Tuesday reviewed the security situation in the state at a meeting of top officials of the state administration and central government establishments in the state, including the defence and paramilitary forces.
The meeting of the officials was held at the official residence of the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat and was attended by the Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik, besides the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh, the Director General of Police, Mr B S Brar, and officers of the Indian Army, Navy, CISF, Coast Guard, Mormugao Port Trust, secretaries to the government and collectors of both the districts.
The Chief Minister told 'The Navhind Times' that the meeting was routine in view of the prevalent situation. “The government wanted to ensure that all security aspects were taken care of,” he said adding that such meetings would be held every alternate day for reviewing the situation and that there was nothing to worry about any problem as security has been tightened in the state.
Later, the Governor, Dr S S Sidhu held a high level meeting in the afternoon with the Chief Minister and the Home Minister for a comprehensive review of law and order situation and overall security arrangements in the state.
The meeting was also attended by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police and various security-related issues were extensively discussed.
The state authorities apprised the Governor about the measures taken by the administration on the security front and the details of the state’s preparedness to effectively meet any terrorist threat.
The Governor re-emphasised on the need for utmost vigilance and enhanced coordination among the law enforcing authorities and related security agencies of the government in order to ensure peace and order in the state, even as he appreciated the steps taken by the government.
Meanwhile, the government on Tuesday formally issued an order banning dances on the beaches in the state from December 23, 2008 to January 5, 2009. The dances and parties organised at traditional places would, however, be permitted but organisers would have to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the police. The order further states that the visitors and tourists could have their dinner sitting inside the shacks on the beaches but there would be complete ban on dances in the open on the beaches.
The order comes in wake of the government decision on Saturday to ban dances on beaches with a view to ensure security and the maintenance of law and order during the festive season of Christmas and New Year. The order has to be followed strictly by all concerned. The government has stated that traditional dances held in church compounds or in the open space/ground shall be permitted but the organising institutions should ensure proper access control and should strictly follow the instructions issued by the local police in that regard.
The order also states that hotels holding parties on waterfront side should properly cover the party ground to ensure that it is not visible from seaside. Entry to hotels/restaurants should be properly regulated by putting in place a proper access control system. The order further states that hoteliers should advise the visitors to carry a proper photo identity card. It also states that no rave party would be allowed in cities and villages but traditional dances on roads would be permitted. The government by the order has also urged the participants to be vigilant about any unusual activity.