PANAJI: With Goa on the radar of terrorists, the anti-terrorist squad of the state has already commenced its operations. The squad is currently based in Panaji even as the ATS awaits more government funds for its further development.

Senior police officer, Mr Atmaram Deshpande told reporters that the senior police officials have joined the squad and that they are in the process of recruiting more personnel. He said the police have short-listed some constables and head constables and that the scrutiny and recruiting process would start shortly.
Rubbishing the rumours that the policemen are hesitating to join the ATS, Mr Deshpande informed that the Goa police have received more than 100 applications from constables and head constables.
He said at present the squad is operating from a premises provided to them with bare minimum facilities and more infrastructure needs to be created. The senior police officer   said the ATS would eventually move into its independent premises.
Replying to a question whether there would be separate squads for North and South Goa, he said that for now the ATS would operate only from one place -- Panaji -- adding that more government funds are required.
With regard to the security situation in the state, Mr Deshpande said that a close watch is being maintained on all hotels and guesthouses, adding that some smaller hotels and guesthouses are still not keeping proper records of the guests and hence a constant check has to be maintained on them.
Speaking further he said no alert has been sounded in the state, however, the Goa police have been on their toes and regularly conduct mock drills, which help keep a check on other criminals. He said mock drills are a continuous process which helps the police ascertain the response time as well.