IFFI parties cancelled to mourn Mumbai attacks, V.P. Singh's death

The horrific multiple terror strikes in Mumbai, coupled with the death of former prime minister V.P. Singh, have taken the sheen off the 39th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The Goa government Friday announced the cancellations of all peripheral activities of the event.

"The governing body has decided to call off all peripheral and cultural activities at the 11 IFFI venues across the state in order to pay condolences to our former prime minister and due to security reasons following the attack on Mumbai," Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said.

"All cultural programmes, music, the Kingfisher village and parties stand cancelled," he added.

This announcement puts an end to the atmosphere of festivity built around the IFFI. Renowned singers like Kavita Krishnamurthy and Sonu Nigam were expected to perform live at the various venues.

Police sources said the issue of threat perception vis a vis the less secure peripheral venues in far flung regions of Goa was discussed at a high level meeting, which was chaired by the chief minister Thursday.

"The police force can sufficiently cover the main venue. But expecting the already stretched force to cover 11 other venues, especially in the rural areas of Goa, was a virtually impossible task," a police official said.

Kamat also announced that the state would observe a seven day mourning to mark the death of V.P. Singh.

"This is connected to respect for our former prime minister. This festival is secondary to us," Kamat said, adding that the main activity of screening films would continue unimpeded.

Last updated on Nov 28^th, 2008 at 16:31 pm IST--IANS