The civil society, under the initiative of Goemkar Ek Pavl Ekcharachem, thundered against divisive forces threatening to disrupt the peace and communal harmony of Goa. Speakers across the spectrum rose to speak at Lohia Maidan, Margao, on National Unity Day, sending a clear message to the State government to take stringent action against all elements who seek to create religious discord and restore the atmosphere of religious harmony that the State was known for over the years.
In the name of unity, activists across communities took turns to slam the government on various issues ranging from communal indifferences to major projects, even as leaders of the Opposition parties, who showed solidarity with the unity call, remained spectators in the audience.
Noted Konkani writer and former MLA Uday Bhembre, in a no-holds-barred speech, stressed the question of whether legislators, more especially those from the minority community and the Margao MLA, will allow their electorate to be treated as second-class citizens and be victims of the Hindu Rastra agenda? Social activists, in fiery speeches, swore by communal unity and vowed to do anything to restore harmony between Hindus and Christians.
A rare unity vibe resonated across the Lohia Maidan, but that appeared more like a pre-election stage-managed plot because it lacked spontaneity. Some of those speakers who were beating their chests and swearing by unity were silent spectators when people went through turbulent phases, pushing Goa to the brink of communal strife like those seen in other States. Perhaps that's part and parcel of hypocrisy.
The State has recently been caught in a cold war between communities, and the few stray incidents have only stoked flames of disunity. The question is, where does this unity call lead us? Is it adding fuel to the fire? Or, is it headed towards the Lok Sabha election trying to counter BJP's tactical ploy to polarise voters? Or is this call against divisive politics an attempt to break through BJP vote banks and bring together secular forces? Or, was it only hot air to impress those gathered and seek the attention of the minorities?
In the face of the growing communal unease, pledges to unite are meaningless if they are taken once a year or on the day of commemoration without a clear understanding of outcomes. The State's communal unity is at test when there are provocative instances that disregard religious sentiments. Whether anti-national or anti-community, the greater challenge is to fix it by getting society together.
While the growing intolerance is as clear as daylight, and this is something every citizen should be wary of, politics should not be allowed to meddle with religious sentiment. Goa has a rich culture and traditions, and Goans, irrespective of religious boundaries, have been united in a unique bond that is reflected in every sphere of life ” from festivals to social participation.
Trying to push a wedge between communities or creating a narrative of ‘us’ versus’ them’ will always lead to communal tensions, whether one looks at it from the government’s side or the Opposition’s window of hope. Unity must reflect on the ground.
