Panaji, Jun 19 (TOI): Goa government owes a response to the people about its complete silence over the increasing number of social and religious conventions that propagate divisive ideas detrimental to the state's communal harmony, says a statement released by the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP).

A four-day convention organized by the Hindu Janajagriti Samiti was the most recent event held in the state, wherein VHP leaders made controversial statements regarding 'Hindu rashtra' and consumption of beef.

The church body alleged hypocrisy on behalf of the state government "which bans entry of certain groups and individuals into the state but allows its affiliate organisations and collaborators despite propagation of anti-national and terrorist ideologies by them".

"The advice to people of a particular faith to store arms in their houses is tantamount to a call to violence and terrorism," said Fr Savio Fernandes, executive secretary, CSJP.