The Hindu : National : Goa’s promise to envoy

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Goa’s promise to envoy

Special Correspondent

It, however, highlights ‘unlawful’ activities of some Russians

PANAJI: While seeking to reassure Consul General of the Russian Federation Alexander V. Mantysky about the safety and security of Russians in Goa, the State government wants to bring to his notice that several Russians were indulging in illegal land dealings and other nefarious activities in the State.

In a letter to the Goa government, Mr. Mantysky had raised the issue of “unlawful” actions against Russians in Goa.

Chief Secretary J.P. Singh, who met Mr. Mantysky some time back, told The Hindu on Sunday that while he assured the latter full security and safety for the Russians in the State, he highlighted the fact that many Russians had created trouble for the authorities by overstaying, asking for extension of tourist visa and purchasing land, flouting guidelines of the Foreign Exchange Management Act.

“He was also apprised of the cases where the law enforcement agencies found Russians in clandestine drug-peddling and other illegal activities,” Mr. Singh said.

The government had initiated measures such as enhancing police patrol on the beaches to ensure the safety of foreigners. Mr. Mantysky, now in Goa, would be briefed about all these aspects when he meets the Chief Minister on Monday, he said.

Goa’s Tourism Minister Francisco X. Pacheco, who met Mr. Mantysky on Saturday, said he assured the latter about taking all possible measures, including increasing police patrolling along the coastal belt and implementing effective beach management system in a month’s time.

Molestation, rape cases

The issue of safety of foreign tourists has come into focus following some recent cases of molestation and rape involving foreigners. The law enforcement agencies were criticised by national and international media after the initial flip-flop over the investigations into the death of British teenager Scarlette Keeling.

Russians account for nearly 9 per cent of foreign tourists visiting Goa annually.

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