PANAJI ATS is actively involved in collection of intelligence and patrolling in the coastal belt. It was informed that while the intelligence wing of ATS gathers terror-related intelligence from the field and is responsible for intimation, it is the operational wing that that comprises commandos trained in weaponry which becomes active in case of intimation of any terrorist threat.
Goa’s counter-terrorism behemoth centered on the 113 personnel-strong Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Goa Police is prepared to handle a terrorist attack similar to the attack on Pathankot air base.
Speaking to The Goan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (ATS) Dharmesh Angle stated, “ATS is prepared with the latest equipment and techniques in case similar situation arises in Goa. We are strong enough to neutralize such threats and if not, at least to withhold and contain them till we receive backing from other specialised units.”
The outer periphery of counter-terrorism machinery comprises a handful of specialized units including the National Intelligence Agency and National Security Guards. ATS officers coordinate intensively on a regular basis with intelligence gathering units such as Intelligence Bureau.
The second line of fire consists of the best recruits from fresh batches that qualify annually or biannually. These, it was informed, are usually dormant members of the ATS and are called for duty only in case of the need for backup.
ATS of Goa Police is currently in possession of the latest weaponry including AK47s, Colts, sidearms and snipers. “Acquisition of latest weaponry is an ongoing process with the aim of keeping updated. ATS is equipped with the latest weapons,” DySP Angle informed.
The year 2015 also witnessed eight watch towers being installed at prominent places where huge gatherings take place for additional security cover.
Incidentally, Goa has had its brush with terrorists; ironically though majority of them have been tourists in the State. The latest of these is alleged Indian Mujahideen operative Syed Ismael Afaque, who was apprehended in Bangaluru a few months ago. Afaque had reportedly learnt paragliding in Goa in 2013.
Naxalite Shambhu Beck, David Headley of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Dawood Ibrahim’s sharpshooter Garikapatti and Sheikh Umaid-ur-Rehman Ishrat Hussain of the Chhota Rajan gang are among the other captured extremists who have been regular visitors to Goa.
It may also be recalled that in March 2006, Tarique Batlo, an alleged operative of Tehrique-ul-Mujahiddin, a subsidiary of LeT, was arrested at the Margao railway station while in possession of 1 kg of RDX, electronic detonators and firearms. He was later acquitted by a fast-track court.
