India’s very own paradise, Goa, is reportedly under terror threat, hence, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPc) has now been imposed in North Goa. This means that the unlawful assembly of people (of five or more people) is not permitted in North Goa. North Goa Section 144 comes into place after an intelligence input regarding a possible terror threat.

According to news reports, R. Menaka, District Magistrate, North Goa, issued a notification that said that the order will be in effect for 60 days. This means North Goa would be under Section 144 from February 11 to April 10, 2020. It could be withdrawn earlier as well.

Intelligence inputs suggest that there is a possible terror threat along the western coast of India. This puts Goa under the limelight, particularly North Goa, which happens to have some of the most popular beaches, such as Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Vagator, to name a few. Section 144 is however not the same as a curfew. While curfew means that public activity is barred, Section 144 is specific to human assembly. Under this, you are also not permitted to carry weapons, even if that means sticks and sharp objects. Violation of this can lead to a punishment of three years in jail.

Goa is especially charming during the winter months, and it is, of course, the favorite place of many. While there are no restrictions on travel, it is important that you abide by Section 144 when in Goa during this time.