OLD GOA
The Langar to offer free meals which was set up by the Goa Sikh Youth at Bakia parking lot on the occasion of the Feast of St Francis Xavier was abruptly stopped by the Old Goa police, but was allowed to resume following public outcry.
The Goan was informed that the police came and told the association to dismantle the Langar as a complaint had been received against them.
Goa Sikh Youth member Siddharth Mehta informed The Goan that they have been informed by the police to stop the Langar as complaint has been received against them.
“We do not know who lodged the complaint and why,” Mehta informed.
However, the Goans involved with the Goa Sikh Youth in setting up the Langar expressed their anger and vent frustration against the government authorities for trying to sabotage such a humane activity, instead of supporting it.
“The Old Goa police just came and asked that the Langar be dismantled as complaint has been received,” a Santa Cruz local Arturo D’Souza said.
“The police informed the association members that the Cardinal would be coming this way and he would not like it,” D’Souza added.
Another local from Chimbel Ana Gracias too said the same thing and wondered whether and why the name of the Cardinal was being used against the Langar.
“The Langar has benefited a lot of people, particularly the poor beggars and the small-time traders. I suspect that the complaint must have been lodged by those running eateries at the feast fair as their business was getting affected,” she opined.
The devotees, who helped themselves at the Langar, though expressed their disappointment at the police action, after which the Langar was allowed to continue at the same place.
