PANAJI
Insisting that the ‘Goa Files’ is not against Christians, a defiant Hindu Raksha Mahaaghadi chief Subhash Velingkar insisted that his fight was against those who have a pro-Portuguese mentality and was not against Christianity in Goa.
At a programme to celebrate Lord Parshuram Jayanti in Panaji on Tuesday, Velingkar reselased the ‘Goa Files’, a collection of photos and documents which, he claimed, established atrocities committed by the colonial Portuguese regime.
During the function, Velingkar reiterated his claims in questioning the credentials of St Francis Xavier as the ‘Goemcho Saib’ of Goa. Velingkar had been severely criticised for similar comments made last week and complaints have been filed against him regarding his statement on St Francis Xavier, which have been viewed as controversial and disparaging by the Catholic community in the State.
During the function, Velingkar argued that his fight was against those who have a pro-Portuguese mentality and that, he was not against Christianity or Christians of Goa.
“Christians and Hindus have the same ancestors. In fact, our DNA is the same,” said Velingkar.
"The release of ‘Goa Files’ has been made controversial. Actually, it is not controversial. This is not against Christians. Those who suffered during the Inquisition were not only Hindus but also ancestors of Christians,” said Velingkar.
Defending the release of ‘Goa Files’, Velingkar said it was an attempt to get people to know the history.
Velingkar acknowledged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's stand to support the function.
"The CM has not bowed down to pressure of some people to shut down the Parshuram Jayanti programme. On Monday, the police were not ready to give permission for a programme in this hall, but today police have changed its stand. I thank Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for providing police security to avoid any incident of law and order,” said Velingkar.
"Some people tried to pressurise the government and some people even demanded action against me under NSA,” said Velingkar.
“No power can stop us as God is with us. For this reason, we don’t have to bother who has spoken against us,” he added.
Velingkar demanded that books on Inquisition be made available in schools and that, the history of the Cuncolim revolt be taught in schools.
Velingkar demanded that the ban of Sri Ram Sene Pramod Mutalik be lifted and on the contrary, a ban should be imposed on the Muslim organisation Popular Front of India in Goa.
