MARGAO
The Popular Front of Goa has demanded action against the instigators of the communal violence that hit the Islampur area of Vasco on April 10.
A PFI delegation led by Goa unit president Shaikh Abdul Rauf submitted a memorandum to the South Goa district Collector on Monday with a plea to expel the migrant culprits and their organizations, who have settled in Goa intending to create communal tension in the State.
The memorandum submitted to Additional South Goa Collector, Surendra Naik requested the authorities to take necessary steps to control the instigators of communal violence and violators of harmony and ensure necessary precautions to avoid situations leading to clashes.
“The police also has failed to nab the culprits who assaulted the minor handicapped boy and are now harassing the victims by arresting them under false charges”, the memorandum said, demanding an end to what they called discriminatory actions by the police.
The PFI has called for a fair and nonpartisan inquiry into the matter, and to bring all the culprits involved in the Ismalpur violence to justice.
Rauf drew the attention of the district authorities that some of the persons, who were part of the Islampur incident, were also involved in similar instances of communal disturbances at the Sancoale church and the Rumdamol housing board area during the Eid-e-Milad.
“It looked like concerted efforts were being made to hijack auspicious events into violent acts by some fascist groups dwelling in Goa. Traditionally, religious events in Goa are looked at as occasions to strengthen and fortify harmony between communities. However, the emergence of fascist groups in Goa are misusing the festivals to unleash hate and violence and create communal polarization," Rauf added.
