Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 6: The Goa government has invoked the National Security Act (NSA) across the state for a period of three months from November 5, citing the prevailing circumstances in North and South Goa. The move empowers authorities to detain individuals for up to 12 months to prevent activities considered prejudicial to public order.

The decision follows Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s direction to the police to move a formal proposal for the notification after a series of preventive arrests reportedly failed to contain repeat offenders and organised elements. Sawant, who also holds the home portfolio, said the government would act strictly against anti-social elements creating nuisance in the state.

Police sources said the notification was prompted by growing public concern over recent incidents, including the alleged assault on activist Rama Kankonkar, which led to protests by citizens and rights groups. Eight persons, including history-sheeter Zenito Cardozo, were arrested in the case.

The police proposal stated that despite several preventive arrests since August 1, the measures were proving insufficient to neutralise offenders who are likely to disturb public order. Accordingly, the district magistrate of North Goa has been authorised to exercise powers under Section 3(2) of the NSA for a specified period.

Before issuing the notification, the Home Department moved to constitute an advisory board headed by a sitting or retired high court judge. Once a detention order is passed, the person must be produced before the board within a stipulated period as per procedure.

Former deputy inspector general Bosco George said the police must present a watertight case to justify detention under the NSA, failing which the detained person could be released within 20 days of the collector’s order.