Goa govt flip-flops on ban on beach parties

Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat on Friday said that the government will not ban night parties on beaches but will instead wait for directives from the Centre.

"As of now there is no ban but we are waiting for directives from the Central government," Kamat said.

The clarification comes few hours after the Congress Legislative Party had recommended a ban on the night parties at beaches and open spaces in the state.

Goa, a tourist hot-spot, is on alert to prevent terror attacks during Christmas and New Year. The Congress party, which met on Thursday, had demanded a ban on night parties.

"The ban will be in effect from December 23 to January 5," Home Minister Ravi Naik had said.

Sources close to Kamat said that the tourism industry, already reeling under severe recession, worked overtime to ensure the state does not implement the ban as it will send wrong signal to the tourists, resulting in more cancellations.

The state has already heightened the security at its beaches with special measures in place to ensure that the porous coastline does not facilitate the terrorist activities.

The chief minister did not rule out the possibility of terrorists targeting Goa.

"Terrorist may target the world famous tourist destination of Goa. But we are well prepared to thwart any such attempts," Kamat said, addressing the Liberation Day function parade at Campal ground in Panaji.

The erstwhile Portuguese colony celebrates its 47th Liberation Day on December 19.

Kamat said that tourists and citizens need not worry as the state had taken many safety measures and continued to be a safe destination.