Fears of terrorism halt parties in Goa

Indian authorities ban X-mas beach celebrations; Israelis warned against traveling to hot spot.

By HERB KEINON, JPOST.COM STAFF
taj hotel mumbai smoke 248 88 ap (photo credit: AP [file])
taj hotel mumbai smoke 248 88 ap
(photo credit: AP [file])
Indian authorities on Saturday banned all Christmas-related celebrations planned over the next few weeks in Goa in fear of possible terror attacks and as a response to the events in Mumbai last month. Christmas celebrations would not be held on Goa's beaches between December 23 and January 5. Some two weeks ago the National Security Council's counter-terrorism bureau issued a travel advisory against travel to Goa, an extremely popular spot for young Israeli tourists in eastern India. The travel advisory recommended Israelis postpone visits to Goa in the second half of December, the peak of the tourist season there. The statement said the end of the year celebrations in Goa were a particularly tempting target for Islamic terrorist organizations. This was not the first time travel warnings have been issued regarding visits to Goa. In December 2006 a similar advisory was issued, warning of a possible al-Qaeda threat. This time, however, no particular terrorist organization was singled out, though the advisory said there were currently a number of terrorist threats.