Goa getting terror strike inputs from time to time: Laxmikant Parsekar

Panaji, Aug 9: The Goa government has received inputs from central intelligence agencies about possible terror attacks in the coastal state, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar told the state legislative assembly on Tuesday.

In a written reply to a query from Independent legislator Rohan Khaunte, Parsekar said: "Inputs have been received from central intelligence from time to time. The details, however, cannot be shared in the interest of the security of the nation."

Parsekar, who holds the home portfolio, said that the protocol followed by his ministry on receiving the terror input was to share it "with all special branch centres, police station, coastal security PS and anti-terrorist squad in Goa with specific direction to keep sharp watch and to collect intelligence in respect of all such suspicious elements".

"...close watch is maintained to identify security suspects or dangerous elements in Goa in order to thwart any kind of terror attack or plan to harm or disturb the peace and tranquillity of Goa and other security hazards," Parsekar said.

Goa is one of the top beach tourism destinations in the world, which is popular with European tourists. Over the last few years, the state has been on the terror radar as Indian Mujahideen's Yasin Bhatkal and Al Qaeda's David Headley reported to have conducted recces in the state.

IANS