Goa tourism department plans to bring out a Special Tourist Security Force (STSF) that shall help to curb the growing crimes against tourists in the state. Tourism Minister Francisco Pacheco mentioned the government’s idea of setting up of the STSF in the annual administration report which was tabled in the Goa assembly on Tuesday.
The report states, “Setting up a Special Tourist Security Force named as tourist security organization is proposed to be formulated in order to provide additional protection and guidance to the tourists visiting the state.”
Goa, the popular tourist spot of India, is reported to have several crimes in the recent times, most predominantly the assaults on foreign women tourists. Police has also failed to control the situation which has led to embarrassing situation for the Goa government.
Recently, 25-year-old Russian woman was raped by a local politician at Colva, a resort in south Goa. The woman has pointed out the inability of the Goa police to tackle the crime and also allowing the accused to escape easily.
Lyndon Monteiro, officer on special duty to the tourism minister, said the state government is taking full care to assure hundred percent safety to the tourists visiting Goa. He said, “We are in the process of setting up the STSF at the earliest to ensure full protection to the tourists coming to Goa.” However, he detained from revealing any exact detail about the proposed plan.
Goa is the favorite holiday destination for more than two million tourists annually of which about 450,000 are foreigners.
[Source]
