from Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)
Panaji, Dec 5: The terror threat has put Goa's night life and tourist markets into serious trouble with every possibility being expressed that these markets may give a skip this season.
"These places are vulnerable to attack and we have put in various conditions for the organizers of these markets to set up their shops in the wake of existing situation in the country," North District Collector Mihir Vardhan said.
Although the state administration has not moved any recommendations bringing to an end the concept of this market, the stricter rules are likely to make the operators impossible to operate.
Police feels that these rules are necessary considering the foreign tourists' security and recent Mumbai terror attacks.
The district administration which held a meeting one and half month ago has decided to ask the operators of these markets including Micky's night bazaar, Club Titto's, Mambos and others to have their security right as they are frequented by foreign tourists.
Vardhan said that these markets are subject to various conditions and even local panchayats are considering the security situation before giving no objection certificate to these places.
"We not recommended the closure of such places but have asked them to make sure entire place would be under CCTV surveillance," the collector said.
While the state agencies have adopted stricter rules, the night market operators has started feeling the heat.
"I will start my market sometimes before Christmas. I have strict security considerations this time so I have decided to shift the place to Parra," Ingo Grill, a German national who run famous `Ingo Night Market' said.
Although the tourist season is entering its peak time, Ingo is still waiting for the NOC from Parra panchayat.
According to Superintendent of Police (CID) Atmaram Deshpande, police had issued an advisory to the Collectors after surveying the various hotspots in coastal Goa.
"We have sent them the recommendations. It is up them to implement those," he claimed, hinting that the recommendations were not taken seriously by the market organizers. "As things stand right now, these market pose a security threat," he added.
Superintendent of Police Bosco George said that there is no specific threat to these markets or night clubs but we are taking enough precautions.
Related News: