by Lenny Baretto
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (GA)

Panaji, Feb 8: Are we really alert? The question is imminent after Karnataka police accidentally stamped upon militants, who during the interrogation, revealed their plans to blow Goa's crowded places. If not for the snag in supply of RDX, Goa would have celebrated bloody New Year with the tourism industry biting dust forever.

 Goa had already received bad publicity after anti-SEZ activists' request for the tourists to leave cautioning of the violent agitation. Any blast would have further damaged or one can say, completely eliminated Goa's image as safe tourist destination.

The lethargy on the part of Goa police was exposed after Karnataka's catch. During the interrogation, the militants, reportedly, revealed that they had come thrice to Goa and surveyed the entire place.

One cannot expect police to scan each and every person entering the state. But can, now atleast, police check whether all the places where they had stayed, the hotel or lodge owner had kept any record?

I doubt! None of the hoteliers really bother to verify the real name of the person. What they are bothered about is the money they earn from the guest.

Also, has any police station, taken any action against the hoteliers for not keeping the record of the guests visiting the state? As per law, it is mandatory for the hotels to keep the record and verify the real identity. But no one is bothered, so also police.

Goa is lucky enough that everytime, it miraculously escaped from being attacked by terrorists. We have blessings of God or our luck is strong. But can we really be dependent on our fortunes forever?

Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat and home minister Ravi Naik have lot of questions to answer to the world. Naik has been on the forefront to warn police of stern action, if they are found not doing their duty properly. Also the chief minister talks of ‘Aam Admi’ being safe in this state.

 It's high time that we catch the police top officials with their collars and ask them to justify their salary. Do we pay thousands of rupees as salary to these officers and provide all facilities, just to let them, sleep and not do the duty? If top officers are strict than the others will naturally get their act right. Is anyone listening?