Panaji, Apr 25 (PTI) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said three Pakistani nationals, who are in the state on short-term visas, have been asked to leave the country as per the deadline set by the central government.

He also said that security has been stepped up across the state with immediate effect and combing operations will begin from Saturday in the settlements where migrant population stays.

The CM held a high-level meeting to review the security situation in the state following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 persons, mostly tourists.

India on Thursday announced revoking all visas issued to Pakistani nationals from April 27 as tensions between the two countries escalated over the April 22 terror attack.

Addressing a press conference at the Mantrayala in Porvorim after the meeting, he said, “Three Pakistani nationals who are in the state on short-term visas have been asked to leave the country.

“Besides them, there are 17 other Pakistani nationals who are currently in Goa on long-term visas and their activities are being monitored by the security agencies,” he said.

Officials of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indian Navy, Goa police and the Indian Coast Guard were present for the meeting held for reviewing the security situation in the state.

“Security measures will be increased in the state with immediate effect while police have also been asked to thoroughly check suspicious persons, including those at railway stations and bus stands. From tomorrow, combing operations will start in the settlements where migrants stay,” he said.

“Those who are living in these settlements will have to produce documents like Aadhaar card or voting card. If they fail to do so, they will be detained for inquiry,” the CM said.

Intense intelligence gathering has started in the state, he said, and appealed to people to cooperate with the agencies.

The police presence has been increased at the tourist places and surprise ‘nakabandis’ (check-posts) will be conducted day and night, he said.

“The Goa government will completely follow the advisory issued by the Union government after the Pahalgam attack. The Kashmiri students and those living here for business purposes should contact the local police stations so that they will be given adequate security,” he said, appealing to citizens to maintain communal harmony in the state.

The police department was also monitoring the social media platforms, he said, adding that those people who were earlier questioned for their connections with banned outfits like Popular Front of India (PFI) and Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) would be called at the police station again for regular checks.

Talking about coastal security, Sawant said the state has 826 fishing trawlers and 1,206 canoes.

“There will be a strict check on the crew members working on these vessels. In future, we will also introduce biometrics for them,” he said, adding that checks will also be maintained at six landing jetties and 28 ramps in the state.

Migrants visiting weekly markets will have to carry their ID cards. If they are found without any valid proof, they will be taken into custody, he added.

Hoteliers and tourist accommodations will have to compulsorily fill form C, he said.

Form C is a notification document used by hosts of foreign nationals to inform the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) about the arrival and stay of their guests.

Security has been beefed up on the state borders, Sawant said. PTI RPS NP