National   

Goa steps up security at IFFI

PANAJI: The Goa government has stepped up security at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in the light of the Mumbai terror attacks. Two extra companies of the Central Industrial Security Force have been requisitioned for IFFI, which is playing host to directors, producers and actors from 12 countries. A minute’s silence is being observed at every screening as a mark of respect for the dead.

Reviewing security measures, the government on Thursday put the tourist State on high alert and roped in the Navy, the Coast Guard and the Customs to patrol its coastal areas. Security at the Dabolim international airport in south Goa was tightened. Police were directed to thoroughly check all vehicles entering the State at different check-posts.

Emerging from an extensive review meeting of security arrangements, attended by Home Minister Ravi Naik, Chief Secretary J.P. Singh and top security officials, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said the government roped in the Customs to guard the Zuari and the Mandovi riverfronts.

The Navy had been asked to patrol the entire stretch of Vasco-Bogmolo in south Goa. The Coast Guard and the Navy had also been asked to start air surveillance at regular intervals.

The Directorate of Film Festivals too is focussing on security. According to S.M. Khan, director, DFF, “The security has been strengthened further. There are more checkpoints with more metal detectors installed. We cannot afford to take a chance.”

The hotels where IFFI delegates and other participants are staying have been provided increased security cover.

Film-maker S. Priyadarshan could not come from Mumbai for the screening of his film Kanchivaram. Similarly, Naseeruddin Shah could not board the flight from Mumbai for Barah Aana.

Many film-makers scheduled to return home via Mumbai had to delay their departure. The Thai contingent could not return because of a problem at the Bangkok airport.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Lashkar tested sea route to Mumbai in 2007 dry run
Terrorists were prepared for a long siege
Militants want to destabilise peace: Pakistan
V.P. Singh a champion of social justice
Experts blame lax hotel security
60 p.c. polling in Madhya Pradesh
Goa steps up security at IFFI
An irreparable loss: Mayawati
India was a soft target: Meghnad
Husain’s film screened at festival
Motorcycle expedition
He espoused cause of BCs: Gowda
ISRO adopts thermal management measures
Red alert in U.P.
A loss to the nation: Buddhadeb
Congress banks on non-Gujjars in Gujjar belt
Helplines opened
“Pirates may hit back”
ECoR to add extra coaches
Central team to assess damage
Alert sounded across West Bengal following Mumbai attacks
Symbol of political decency: Karunandihi
Airport project will block coal reserves

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu