Panaij, Dec 17 (IANS) Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik Thursday told the Goa legislative assembly that Pakistan-based terrorists groups could indulge in “spectacular violence” in Goa.
“Available intelligence inputs indicate that a strong desire is entertained by various Pak-based terrorist groups to indulge in spectacular violence in Goa,” Naik said in a written reply to a discussion on matters of urgent public importance vis a vis the clandestine visit of terror suspect David Headley.

Goa was emerging as an important target for terrorists, Naik added.

“It may be pointed out that Goa is emerging as an important target for terrorists because of the presence of foreign tourists from countries like the US, Britain and Israel and any attack impacting their safety would immediately attract international media attention,” the home minister said.

Naik stressed that the Goa police were maintaining “close liason” with central intelligence agencies as well as state police organisations concerned to ensure that relevant intelligence is shared quickly.

In a vague, unclear reference to Headley’s visit to Goa, Naik said: “Goa police have taken necessary note of the reports indicating visit of a certain individual to Goa. And in interest of ensuring security of information, nothing more needs to be stated”.

Media reports in the recent past quoting home ministry sources have said that Headley visited Goa earlier this year and stayed for a week, scouting coastal areas namely Anjuna and Arambol, both frequented by Israeli tourists. Reports also said that Headley stayed in a guest house in Anjuna, near an Israeli prayer house.