Goa Government Authorizes District Collectors to Implement National Security Act for 90 Days Amid Rising Security Concerns

Panaji:

The government of Goa has granted its two district collectors authorization to implement preventive detention powers under the National Security Act (NSA) for a three-month period, according to officials.

Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Manoj Naik issued an official order on Thursday empowering the two district magistrates (collectors) to utilize NSA for 90 days, citing the "prevailing circumstances" in the coastal state.

According to the order, collectors of both North Goa and South Goa "may also exercise powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 3, of the said Act (NSA) within the local limits of their jurisdiction."

This legal provision enables the preventive detention of individuals considered a threat to state security, public order maintenance, or the continuity of essential supplies and services.

The authorization comes in the wake of a recent attack on social activist Rama Kankonkar by seven individuals, all identified as habitual offenders. Additionally, concerns have been growing regarding the increasing frequency of gang conflicts throughout the state.