Goa bans Christmas beach parties

Christmas and New Year beach parties in tourist resorts in the Indian state of Goa have been banned because of security concerns, say the authorities.

No specific details have been given but officials said there was "obviously" a security threat.

The ban will be a major blow to Goa, which relies on the thousands of tourists attending the famous parties.



"Taking into consideration all the aspects, we have decided that beach parties would not be allowed from December 23 to January 5," Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat told reporters.

Kishan Kumar, Goa's police inspector general, said: "Obviously there is a security threat, but we cannot say anything more specific at the moment".

Security has been tightened around India's coast following the attacks in November and several foreign governments have advised their citizens against travel to the country. Goan business leaders said tourism was a "lifeline" and the decision would seriously affect trade.