Identification jackets for journalists in Goa

PANAJI - The Goa government will provide special jackets and badges to journalists covering riots and other law and order situations, a senior government official Thursday said.

Speaking during a function to mark World Photography Day, director of information Menino Peres said the decision was taken following a meeting with the state administration and the police.

“We will be issuing identification jackets and badges to reporters covering law and order situations in Goa to prevent them being assaulted,” he said.

Peres said the move to issue the identification was taken after recommendations by a one-man committee appointed by the state government to probe an assault on photo-journalist Soiru Komarpant during a communal riot in 2008 near Margao town, 35 km from here.