October 21, 2008	Tuesday	Shawwal 21, 1429

PANAJI (India), Oct 20: The Indian resort state of Goa largely shut down on Monday as part of a protest against the desecration of Hindu idols, posing problems for tourists at the start of the main holiday season.

Goa is a majority Hindu state but there is mounting concern from political and religious leaders over attacks on isolated shrines. Chief minister Digamber Kamat said some 500 acts of vandalism have occurred in recent years.

The day-long shut-down involved religious groups and the right-wing Hindu nationalists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused Islamic groups of being behind the desecrations to stoke communal tensions.

Organisers said there was a 95 per cent compliance rate across the state, as shops and businesses, including those lining Goa’s sandy beaches, closed down.

“The shut-down call remained peaceful except for stray incidents. The shops and hotels remained closed on their own,” said Superintendent Bosco George, of Goa police.

Tourists faced difficulties as most bars, cafes and restaurants closed in fear of attacks by Hindu groups.

Some three million visitors come to the former Portuguese colony each year, including 400,000 foreigners.—AFP