Tensions rise in Goa over RSS leader's remarks on St Francis Xavier


Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 8: Tensions escalated in Goa on Sunday as members of the Christian community demanded the arrest of Subhash Velingkar, former Goa unit chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), over his controversial remarks about Catholic missionary St Francis Xavier. Protesters, including locals and political leaders, gathered in Old Goa, calling for legal action against Velingkar. Demonstrations also spread to Margao city in South Goa, where a group of protesters blocked a national highway and clashed with police, resulting in the detention of five individuals.

In response, the Goa Church urged peace and restraint while expressing strong condemnation of Velingkar’s statements, which they described as deeply offensive to Catholics and others who revere the saint. The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP) called on the authorities to take strict legal action, accusing Velingkar of attempting to disturb communal harmony.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized the BJP, accusing it of deliberately inciting communal tensions, not only in Goa but across India, to divide communities.

Despite more than 12 complaints being filed against Velingkar for ‘hurting religious sentiments’, he has not yet been arrested. Velingkar sought anticipatory bail, but his request for interim relief was denied, with the case scheduled for further hearing on Monday.

 

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Vincent D'Souza, Belthangady

    Mon, Oct 14 2024

    Saint Francis Xavier, forgive him, he is ignorant

    DisAgree [4] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Fri, Oct 18 2024

    Vincent D souza Belthangady ,Dear he is not innocent ,but arrogant.St Francis will regulate himself by his own ways.We should only wait and see,not provocate.Let St.Francis give him the needed mindset.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • David Pais, Mangalore

    Tue, Oct 08 2024

    Arrest the RSS leader and put him behind the bar immediately.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • real kujuma, kodial

    Tue, Oct 08 2024

    sanghis are known to spread hatred among religions...that is how their political wing of blue j pigs also thrives...they incite communities and then wash off their hands..just take the latest case of one insane so called pungi lecturer in mangalore who was talking ill about chrisitan marriage halls..

    DisAgree [9] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Raheja Waterfront

    Tue, Oct 08 2024

    They need Education to talk about St Francis Xavier ...

    DisAgree [9] Agree [65] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Tensions rise in Goa over RSS leader's remarks on St Francis Xavier



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