In the context of possible Christchurch mosque vengeance reaction, Goa has been put on an alert following a tip-off from Central Intelligence Agencies, Goa Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh confirmed on March 25.
This alert is about a possible attack on Israeli tourists in the Coastal tourist State.
Mr. Singh told The Hindu that though now there are not many Israeli tourists, two Chabad Houses in North coastal belt has not been operational while one in Canacona in South Goa has been under constant vigil, where a few visitors come for prayers.
“As for instance, IGP said that at Canacona Chabad House people visit on Saturday and Sunday for prayers. On March 24(Sunday) there were around 12 visitors for prayer. Our guards are deployed and also it is under our constant vigil,” said Mr. Singh. “All our Superintendents of Police(SPs) have been briefed and alerted, Anti-Terror Squad has been put on alert and we have been constantly sharing inputs with various agencies as well as have alerted our intelligence networks.”
Police sources said that the alert has been in the context of a possible revenge attack by Al Qaeda or Islamic State terrorists for last week's terror attack at a mosque in New Zealand.
The police sources said that the alert had been issued to several States and Union Territories which have Jewish structures, sizeable Jewish people or attract Israeli tourists.
"As per the alert from Central Intelligence Agencies, we have to keep a close watch to ensure the security of areas frequented by Israeli tourists as well as prayer houses," said Mr. Singh.
According to police intelligence, several Israelis used to be on a long duration visa in Goa and often congregated to pray at Chabad houses. However, of late they have reduced considerably, and the Chabad houses in North coastal belt are almost not operating, said police sources.
