No more river cruises near Goa Raj Bhavan due to security concern

Panaji, Feb 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Goa's port authority, the Captain of Ports, on Friday warned river cruise, fishermen and water sports operators to steer clear of the sea-facing Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the state Governor Satya Pal Malik in view of the "perceived threat perception".

Malik, who was appointed as Governor of Goa in November last year, had previously served in a sensitive gubernatorial position as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, at the time when the conflict-ridden state was bifurcated and the region's privileges under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution were abrogated.

"It has been brought to the notice of the undersigned by police Inspector, Coastal Security police station, that canoe boats and cruise boats carry out fishing and water sports activities within the vicinity of Raj Bhavan," a notice issued by Captain James Braganza, head of the state Government's Captain of Ports department said in his circular on Friday.

"Considering the overall security scenario and threat perception the security has been heightened at Raj Bhavan in view of perceived threat perception," the circular addressed to all ship and boat owners further says.

It warns, "all owners and masters of passenger launches, cruise boats, canoe boats, ferry boats, heads of fishing trawlers and operators of the merchanised and non-merchanised craft including the tourist boats etc" not to venture in the close proximity of Raj Bhavan.

Soon after, Malik took charge of Governor of Goa in November last year, Raj Bhavan authorities citing "security reasons" had suspended a special guided tour of the Raj Bhavan grounds for visitors, which is conducted by the state Tourism Department. The decision was reversed days later following popular criticism.

Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Cabo Raj Bhavan overlooks the Arabian Sea and is spread over 88 acres. It was once the official residence of top Portuguese administrators.

Source: IANS