Security exercise triggers panic

IGP Maintains That It Was A Mock Drill While Rumours Fly Thick And Fast
Preetu Nair | TNN

Panaji: Each time a red alert is declared, Goa swings into uncertainty. For, besides heavy patrolling activities, rumormongering also tends to trigger panic among people.
Monday afternoon was no different. Within seconds of a red alert being declared, fear and uncertainty only got more pronounced. Policemen intensified patrolling and bandobast duties and began checking vehicles, leaving several people stranded.
Meanwhile, rumours that explosives were transported into the state by road were rife. News that explosives had even been detected in Calangute did the rounds. However, these were found to be false. In fact, a few hours later, the red alert was lifted and the whole exercise was termed “a drill to ensure that the police are alert”.
Explaining the need for such drills, IGP Kishan Kumar said, “It’s not just the police, but even people who have to remain vigilant. Public involvement is necessary to fight any sort of terror. This will be a regular practice to ensure that we don’t lower our guard.”
According to IGP Kumar, it is time that the state snaps out of its complacent attitude. “Goa is considered a soft target because people believe that any criminal can enter and leave the state without getting noticed. But now we have to send a clear message that security is our main concern. People should also know about this and help”, he added.
Incidentally, it has been observed that every time a bomb blast occured anywhere in the country during the last five months, red alerts were issued in Goa followed by intensified patrolling. Police presence throughout the state, especially in the coastal areas, tends to get intensified.
To explain the importance of such drills, the beat constables in each area were asked on Monday to involve the general public and make them understand that “terrorism has spread. None of us are safe. Regular checks and drills, even though they might cause some discomfort, are very important for the safety of the state,” said IGP Kumar.
The Goa police terms a stage of preparation of the police during a contingency or emergency a “red alert”. “We increase police visibility on the road to instill confidence in people, besides intensifying security in crowded places like markets, bus stations, railway stations and airports,” said SSP (security) V V Chaudhary.
SP (special branch) Atmaram Deshpande said that people should neither panic nor get upset. “When in doubt, they need to either call the beat officer, nearest police station or the control room. People also shouldn’t fall prey to any sort of rumors as these create unwanted fear. But when a situation really arises, people will tend to become complacent wherein nobody will react, thus leading the troublemakers to take advantage.”

September 23, 2008, The Times of India, Goa edition