Vajpayee to celebrate new year in Goa

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will usher in the new year in Goa, where he will be holidaying from December 29 to January 1.

Besides Vajpayee, hordes of central ministers, ministers of different states, governors, judges, bureaucrats, industrialists and celebrities will be in the coastal state.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said no stone will be left unturned to ensure the safety of not only the VIPs, but also the local and foreign tourists.

There are reports that the Al-Qaeda and other terrorist outfits may carry out an attack in Goa.

Besides the prime minister's Special Protection Group, around 800 commandos have arrived in Goa. The navy, Coast Guard and marine police are also monitoring the waters.

Officials of revenue intelligence, sales tax and excise are also monitoring the movement of several outsiders.

The police have already picked up over 300 people for enquiries.