Summary:
Panaji: The National Security Guard (NSG) and anti-terrorist squad (ATS) of Goa police will hold a joint exercise at vital installations in the state to prepare themselves in case of any terror attack.ATS superintendent of police Karthik Kashyap told TOI the exercise will be held between NSG and ATS for better coordination during any eventuality. It has created a database of over 100 vital installations, including major temples, churches and starred hotels, with elaborate details, including entry and exit points of the installations, photographs of nearby lanes, buildings and other locations, to remain prepared for counter attacks. A senior police officer said that Goa, being a tourist destination, is always put on high alert and it is better to keep the force ready for any untoward incident.Recently, the ATS completed mock drills at all vital installations across the state. The mock drills were conducted at Kala Academy, Inox, Panaji, Titos and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee stadium.“We have collected the data to remain prepared for any eventuality so that we know the exit, entry and best possible ways to get into the vital installation in case of any terror strike,” a senior police officer said.The ATS will continue to collect and upgrade its data base. Lashkar terrorist David Headley had also allegedly stayed in Goa for a couple of weeks exploring the possibility of carrying out a terror strike in the tourist destination.Goa’s first major brush with terror happened in October 2009, when a bomb went off in Margao on the eve of Diwali near Grace Church, a few metres from where a Narkasur effigy competition was being held..