PANAJI
In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Goa government has initiated a series of stringent security measures, including directing three Pakistani nationals to leave the State and the country latest by April 27.
The government has also identified 17 individuals holding long-term visas, who are being placed under surveillance pending directives from the Union Home Ministry.
The government also decided to provide security to all the Kashmiri students and locals, who are in Goa for business-related activities and to launch a combing drive from Saturday, to undertake document verification of migrants across various pockets and take necessary action against those who fail to prove their identity.
This decision came after a high-level security review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday, following directions from the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Chief Minister appealed to citizens across communities to maintain communal harmony in the State while announcing that government and the citizens stand with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strong retaliation.
Addressing a press conference, Sawant confirmed that three Pakistani nationals residing in Goa have been identified and asked to leave the State and the country.
He said that another 17 individuals belonging to various religions -- Hindu, Muslim and Christian -- holding long-term visas are under close observation as the government awaits further directives from the Union Home Ministry. “These are basically those people who have married Goans and are residing here. They have not obtained Indian nationality. Directions have been issued to police to monitor their movement,” Sawant said.
The state has also decided to enhance security for Kashmiri students and businesspersons residing in Goa. “We will provide necessary protection to ensure their safety. They will have to go to the respective police station from the jurisdiction they are currently residing and provide information. We will provide them security,” Sawant said.
As part of heightened security protocols, the state government will launch a comprehensive combing drive to identify and verify migrants across various localities. The Chief Minister stated, “all migrants will be checked for valid documentation. Those found without proper papers will face action as per the law. This drive is separate from the current tenant verification drive.”
Security has been intensified at key transit points including the Goa International Airport, railway stations, and inter-State bus terminals. “All entry and exit points are being closely monitored. We are leaving no stone unturned to maintain law and order,” Sawant added.
While hotels are asked to ensure that all records of visitors are maintained, tourists entering the State have to compulsorily provide ID verification, before entering Goa border, as surprise nakabandi would be done across various places, Sawant said.
The government has decided to deploy police force in public and crowded places. The police are also asked to conduct raids on weekly markers and verify the documents of the non-Goan traders, vendors and take necessary action.
BIOMETRIC ID CARDS: The State government has decided to introduce full-fledged biometric identity cards to migrant labourers working on fishing canoes.
As part of security measures, Sawant said the government will undertake identity verification of all migrant labourers working across 1206 registered canoes, six landing jetties and 28 ramps.
He said fishermen are asked to ensure that only workers who have got valid ID be allowed to work.
“In future, we intend to introduce biometric ID cards to these workers,” Sawant said.
