PANAJI
Goa Police’s Anti Terrorist Squad has collaborated with National Security Guards (NSG) to ensure water-tight security in and around Old Goa in view of the upcoming exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier.
The NSG, ATS as well as other key stakeholders of the integrated counter-terrorism response system held high-intensity mock terrorist attacks across Goa including prominent locations -- Goa State Central Library, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and DoubleTree by Hilton from October 23 to 25.
According to a statement issued by the department, this exercise was critical in achieving several goals including streamlining drills, tactics and procedures for counter-terrorism operations, while also evaluating the security of vulnerable and high-profile locations in the city.
“The complex mock exercise involved a range of realistic terrorist strike scenarios, where all levels of responders -- from initial action teams to the deployment of the State ATS and the final intervention by the federal counter-terrorism force NSG -- were put to the test. The coordinated response to multiple potential attacks, including the simultaneous activation of several targets, was practiced by various agencies to improve the Counter-Terrorist Grid,” it said.
Goa Police’s other specialized units and the civil administration also played a crucial role in rehearsing critical functions such as casualty management, traffic control and logistical support. A total of about 400 personnel were a part of the preparedness exercise with the drill also conducted on shore and offshore.
