Israeli officials, Goa cops review tourist security

Panaji: A delegation of Israel embassy officials met top Goa Police officials here late Friday along with union home ministry officials to review security arrangements for Israeli tourists in Goa, a police official said.

The police official, declining to be named, said the meeting was a part of a nationwide security review of places in India, including Jewish pockets and Israeli tourist hotspots like Goa, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. The review came within days of the New Delhi bombing of an Israeli diplomat's car, which left his wife seriously injured.

"Top officials of the Goa Police, including superintendents of police and Director General of Police Kishen Kumar, attended the meeting. It was called by the MHA (ministry of home affairs) and was attended by officials from the Israel embassy in New Delhi," the official said.

The official said that the three teams of officials conducted a review of security measures in place for the protection of Israeli nationals in Goa, including keeping an eye on the two Jewish prayer houses (Chabad Houses) at Anjuna and Arambol.

"The aim was to satisfy Israeli embassy officials that their nationals, several of whom visit Goa during the tourist season, will be safe in the light of the Delhi bombing," the official added.

When contacted, Goa Police refused to confirm or deny the meeting.

Several thousand Israeli tourists - most of them after their compulsory military attachment - visit Goa to enjoy the winter sun during the tourist season from October to March.