Unprecedented security in Goa for BRICS Summit

Panaji, Oct 14: Ahead of the BRICS summit, Goa's beaches have been turned into fortresses while strong police presence is kept on all the main highways and lanes leading to the venue of the event, to be attended by heads of various nations.

The summit begins tomorrow in Benaulim village of South Goa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also take part in the event.

The state police have imposed severe restrictions on the movement of traffic along the roads near the Dambolim airport and on the way leading to the main venue.

While the Coast Guard has maintained aerial and seaward surveillance in the Arabian Sea, Marine police personnel are deployed in the rivers of the state. Several police personnel have been posted on the beaches.

The temporary bunkers and tents have been erected on the beaches and at several stretches, the movement of people is restricted.

"Without going into details of the security arrangements, I would like to mention that seven companies of para military forces will be assisting Goa police to manage law and order along with the police force from Maharashtra and Karnataka," Manoj Kumar Sahoo, State secretary (Protocol) told PTI today.

He said the anti-sabotage checks are conducted at all the venues. "Goa police which is gearing up for this event have already taken lessons from Delhi police who have the experience of holding such summit in the past.

A team of Goa police trained for over a month with Delhi police to handle detailing of the law and order during the event," Deputy Inspector General of Police Vimal Gupta said. The aircraft carrying heads of state would be landing at INS Hansa, a naval base near Dabolim airport, and from there they would go to the venue by road.

The Dabolim airport will not be used by the heads of state and the delegates, Airport director B C H Negi. The Goa government has already banned fishing and water sports activity till October 18. Flying has also been banned in the areas around the venue.

PTI