Goa cops leave cancelled in bustling tourist season

The Goa Police has suspended the leave of all its personnel as the state gears up for hundreds of thousands of visitors this tourist season.

Major events like the International Film Festival of India and the Exposition of Spanish saint Francis Xavier are lined up.

Inspector General of Police Sunil Garg told reporters at a press conference Monday that special efforts were also being made to ensure the safety of foreign tourists during the peak season leading up to New Year.

He said: "We have suspended leave of all police personnel from now till December-end unless it is unavoidable or in case of emergency."

Goa, a top beach tourism destination in the country, gets nearly three million tourists annually of which half a million are from abroad.

In addition, conservative estimates suggest that over five million people are expected to attend the Exposition of St. Francis Xavier, who is credited with bringing Christianity to this part of India in the 16th century.

During the Exposition, a decennial event which is popular among Catholics, the preserved remains of the Spanish saint are kept on display for the throngs of devotees from across India and the world.

The International Film Festival of India which gets underway in the last week of November is also expected to see thousands of film lovers land in the state.

Garg said that police personnel were specially being requisitioned from all units for law and order duties during November and December. Places frequented by foreign tourists are also under observation, he said.