The Goa government has invoked the National Security Act (NSA) for a period of three months beginning November 5, marking one of the most stringent administrative measures taken in the coastal state in recent years. The decision covers both North Goa and South Goa districts and was taken, according to the state government, in response to “prevailing circumstances” involving escalating violence, repeat offenders, and organised criminal groups that local law enforcement claims could no longer be controlled through routine criminal procedure.

The imposition of the NSA, which allows the preventive detention of individuals for up to one year without formal charges, has triggered a mixed response—ranging from support for stronger law-and-order measures to concern over the use of exceptional legal powers. The move comes at a time when Goa has seen a surge in violent incidents and organised crime-linked clashes that have unsettled both residents and authorities.

What Led to the Invocation of the NSA?

According to official accounts, the catalyst for imposing the National Security Act was a combination of escalating violent episodes and the inability of existing preventive measures to curb the activities of repeat offenders. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also oversees the state’s Home Department, approved the proposal after receiving a detailed submission from Goa Police citing a series of incidents that demonstrated the inadequacy of current methods.

The police submission, sent to the government in September, stated that since August 1, 2025, numerous offenders had been taken into custody under preventive arrest provisions. They were produced before Sub-Divisional Magistrates as per the law. However, many of these individuals, described as “history-sheeters” and members of organised crime groups, were returning to criminal activities soon after release.

The report emphasised that such measures had “proven insufficient to neutralise repeat offenders and organised elements who are likely to act in a manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.” The police argued that empowering the District Magistrates under Section 3(2) of the National Security Act had become necessary to deal with the developing situation.

Chief Minister Sawant endorsed this assessment, noting that the government would adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward individuals or groups “creating a nuisance in the state.”

The Assault on Activist Rama Kankonkar: A Turning Point

One of the most prominent triggers for public demands to invoke the NSA was the assault on social activist Rama Kankonkar on September 18. Kankonkar was reportedly attacked by a group of men, an incident that drew outrage from civil society and political leaders. The opposition demanded that the NSA be used against the perpetrators.

Police later arrested eight individuals in connection with the assault, seven of whom were already listed as repeat offenders with established links to organised criminal groups. The incident became a flashpoint for broader concerns about rising gang activity in Goa.

In mid-August, just weeks before the Kankonkar assault, more than twenty individuals reportedly attacked two men with swords, sticks, koitas (billhooks), soda bottles, and other weapons. Those involved in the attack also allegedly fired bullets at the victims’ vehicle before fleeing. Such incidents strengthened the police argument that conventional measures were no longer adequate.

What Is the National Security Act and How Does It Work?

The National Security Act, 1980, is among the most stringent preventive detention laws in India. It authorises state and central governments to detain a person for up to twelve months if they are deemed to be:

• acting in a manner prejudicial to the defence of India,
• threatening the security of India,
• compromising relations between India and foreign powers, or
• acting in any way prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.

The act allows authorities to prohibit individuals from acting in ways the government believes could lead to disorder, even if no actual crime has been committed yet. Detention orders under the NSA are subject to review by advisory boards, but detainees often have limited legal recourse in the initial months of detention.

In Goa’s context, authorities argue that the act is required to prevent disorder by incapacitating organised groups before they carry out acts of violence.

Legal and Political Reactions

Opposition MLA and legal expert Advocate Carlos Ferreira welcomed the decision in principle but cautioned that the law must be applied with strict adherence to legal safeguards. Ferreira noted that under Section 3(4) of the NSA, the state is permitted to delegate powers to District Magistrates under Section 3(2), but warned that misuse or overuse of the law could raise serious constitutional concerns.

Ferreira stressed that while public order must be protected, authorities must ensure that detentions are justified, proportionate, and free from political motivation. “Strict adherence to the procedural safeguards is critical,” he said, underscoring the importance of transparency and judicial oversight.

A Pattern of Rising Violence

The police submission outlined a clear pattern of aggravated violence and escalating organised criminal activity. A series of clashes in the past six months, often involving armed groups, have contributed to a sense of growing lawlessness. These include:

• Gang fights involving weapons such as swords, firearms, and improvised weapons.
• Repeat offenders returning to criminal activity shortly after release from preventive custody.
• Rising intimidation of activists, local leaders, and community members.
• Concerns over growing criminal networks linked to extortion, smuggling, and narcotics.

Authorities claim these patterns justify the temporary imposition of exceptional legal measures.

Why Now? Understanding the Timing

The government’s decision to impose the NSA aligns with two administrative priorities:

1. Preventing escalation of gang violence during peak tourist season, a time when Goa sees large crowds and increased vulnerability to unrest.
2. Responding to political pressure, as opposition parties and civil society groups have been demanding firm action following high-profile assaults and gang activity.

The state, known for its tourism-driven economy and comparatively low crime rates, has been wary of the reputational damage that recurring violent incidents can cause.

Concerns Over Civil Liberties

Though the NSA is a legally valid tool, its history is fraught with debates over misuse. Civil liberties advocates have expressed concern that the law allows prolonged detention without trial and can be invoked for reasons that may not always meet the threshold of national security or public order threats.

Goa’s use of the NSA is likely to draw scrutiny from rights groups, particularly if detentions under the law include individuals whose actions do not involve serious criminal conduct. The government has stated that the measure is temporary and will be reviewed periodically.

Conclusion

The Goa government’s decision to impose the National Security Act reflects a strategic shift toward stronger preventive measures in response to escalating violent incidents and organised crime. While the move has garnered support as a necessary step to protect public safety, it has also triggered concerns about potential overreach and the need for rigorous oversight. Over the next three months, the way authorities implement the NSA will determine whether it acts as a stabilising force or becomes a source of further controversy in Goa’s political and civic space.