Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha and Sancoale Parish Priest Fr Louis Alvares while discussing the issue with Mormugao Dy Collector Sachin Desai.
VASCO
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha along with Sancoale Parish Priest Fr Louis Alvares and a group of villagers on Monday sought Mormugao Dy Collector Sachin Desai’s intervention in connection with the recent incident of some persons in conducting a religious service on church property at the old Sancoale church on December 30.
Speaking to reporters, Saldanha said she had met the deputy collector to ensure that necessary action would be taken.
"The right action should take place because no community should feel that the law is not available to support them in their time of need.”
“The villagers are agitated and I am worried because communal harmony that exists in Goa since time immemorial cannot be disturbed and I condemn the activity. We have to respect each others religious beliefs," said Saldanha.
It may be recalled that some individuals had entered the archaeological site of the Our Lady of Health Church in Sancoale (old church) and tried to perform some religious rituals in front of the facade on December 30.
When Fr Alvares and a group objected to the rituals, the individuals are accused of having retaliated with filthy abusive language and intimidation.
Fr Alvares later lodged a complaint with the Verna police stating that the action of the accused promoted enmity, hatred and tension on grounds of religion.
He has requested the Verna police to take immediate cognisance of the offences and register an FIR, besides taking steps to stop any further communal instigation. Aggrieved people of Sancoale have been awaiting police action in the matter.
The incident prompted hundreds of people from different parts of Mormugao taluka and neighbouring villages to take part in a candlelit vigil and prayer service outside the facade of old Sancoale church on Sunday evening, to pray for peace and harmony in the village.
Incidentally, the Novena and the Feast of St Joseph Vaz, Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, will be celebrated at the site of the old church from January 7, while the Feast will be celebrated on January 16.
