Alert in Goa over NZ attack retaliation

Panaji/Thrissur (Ker), March 25

Goa is on alert following a tip-off from central intelligence agencies about a possible attack on Israeli tourists in the state in what they called “possible revenge” for the terror attack at the Christchurch mosques in New Zealand last week that left 50 worshippers dead, the police said on Monday.

The police sources said the alert had been issued to several states and union territories that have Jewish synagogues, sizeable Jewish residents or attract Israeli tourists. “We have to keep a lookout and secure areas frequented by Israeli tourists as well as a prayer house they have in North Goa. The threat, according to the inputs, comes from a possible attack by Islamic State or the Al-Qaeda to avenge the New Zealand mosque killings,” a senior police official said on anonymity.

According to police statistics, several dozen Israelis were on long-duration visas in Goa and often congregate to pray at a Chabad house (a Jewish outreach centre) in North Goa. 

Meanwhile, the body of a 27-year-old woman from Kerala, who was among the 50 people killed in a terror attack on two Christchurch mosques in New Zealand, was brought to the state Monday and laid to rest.  

Prayers were held at the Cheraman Juma mosque at Kodungallor before the body of the woman, Ancia Alibava, was laid to rest. The mosque is said to be oldest in Indian subcontinent. — IANS/PTI