the goan I network
PANAJI/OLD GOA
The government on Sunday tightened security at churches across the State following a string of blasts in Sri Lanka that killed over 200 people.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he has given instructions to Director General of Police Pranab Nanda to provide security to all major churches in the State and to run a tight operation.
He also met Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão Sunday evening and discussed security measures related to churches in the State.
Sawant also condemned the terror attack in Sri Lanka. “I strongly condemn the dastardly terror attack in Sri Lanka. Our prayers are with the people of Sri Lanka,” Sawant tweeted on his personal handle.
Meanwhile, Inspector
General of Police, Jaspal Singh told the media that the two district Superintendents of Police have been sensitized over the terror incident and adequate pre-emptive security measures have been put in place across the State.
Singh said, special measures are being taken to keep vigil around major churches and hotels in Goa, where the summer tourism season is at its peak.
Acting quickly, security was beefed up in and around the Old Goa churches, St Cruz, Taleigao and other places. When The Goan visited Old Goa a policeman was posted outside the Basilica of Bom Jesus in the evening as the Easter services were underway.
The ASI guards posted at the world heritage monuments also informed The Goan that the Old Goa police have informed them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the police immediately.
A guard posted at the Basilica informed that the police had apprised them of the serial blasts in Sri Lanka. The churches of Santa Cruz and Merces too saw armed forces stationed outside for a while during the evening time.
A reliable source informed that St Cruz constituency being a sensitive area the armed forces were stationed near the churches. When The Goan contacted Old Goa PI Jivba Dalvi, he confirmed that security was beefed up in and around Old Goa churches as well as churches in Santa Cruz and Merces in light of bombings of churches in Sri Lanka.
Dalvi further informed that the patrolling has also been intensified and teams been directed to keep constant vigil around the churches. “I have also spoken to the ASI guards stationed at Old Goa churches to remain extra vigilant,” he added.
