The unease between sections of Hindu and Muslim communities that has been building up in Canacona and Cuncolim is a cause for concern in Goa, a State known for its communal peace and harmony. Trouble started on Thursday last when a group gathered outside the Canacona Collectorate demanding a permanent ban on the ‘Julus’ procession in the area. They held that there is no tradition of ‘Julus’ in Canacona and the procession was being held with “malicious” intentions. Speakers also demanded that the Saturday Weekly Bazaar in Canacona should be shut down since the majority of traders are non-Hindu and hail from areas like Hubli, Dharwad and Belgaum.
A day later, a Muslim group lodged a police complaint citing “proactive” speeches by a Hindu group alleging that there was a threat against Muslim women wearing burqas and men wearing caps. Meanwhile, the permission for “Julus” was denied a third time by the Dy Collector. On Sunday, tension filled the air in Cuncolim after a Muslim group filed a complaint with the police alleging an attack by three members of the Hindu community, and this was followed by a counter-complaint over hurting Hindu sentiments. Police force from other stations were summoned as a precautionary measure as the situation turned tense. The question is why are these hostilities between communities allowed to flare up? Why did the police show initial reluctance? What is the police's role in brokering peace, and are they doing justice and displaying parity?
The decision to hold the Julus procession in Canacona has been the flashpoint, and Muslims in the area, like in other places in Goa, have been holding similar processions. Denying a community the freedom to hold a religious procession does affect the sentiment of those concerned. In a democratic setup, issues that are likely to crop up during the procession, or the fears thereof, should have been allayed by authorities mutually by engaging both sections and the police. Yes, it is for the authorities to draw the line and the police to enforce it. Bowing down to pressure from a section and denying Muslims their right to hold a religious procession is unfair and does not bode well for communal harmony.
The role of the police in Canacona and Cuncolim is questionable because of their reluctance to act in such a volatile situation. Police are required to enforce the law overlooking boundaries or alignments of communities or religions. It is crucial for the authorities to demonstrate fairness and take decisive action considering the greater safety of all citizens and the peace prevailing across the State. Police need to prioritise the safety and security of people. Failure to nip communal flare-ups in the bud will only perpetuate a cycle of strife that will harm citizens and create unnecessary lines of divisions.
South Goa district Superintendent of Police, Sunita Sawant assured on Monday the police have been mobilized in numbers to ensure peace, but mere deployment of police is not enough. Police need to be proactive in diffusing crises instead of remaining mute spectators. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant who held a security review meeting with top officials of Goa police over the weekend must drive home the point that law enforcement cannot be seen through the prism of majority or minority politics.
