Elected representatives from Nuvem constituency demand the arrest of Gautam Kattar. Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Elected representatives from the Nuvem constituency, including sarpanchas and deputy sarpanchas, on Thursday demanded the immediate arrest of accused Gautam Kattar for his derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier.
Nuvem Sarpanch Freda D’Sa questioned why the Christian minority community is suddenly being targeted by such communal elements. She called for a ban on organisations as well as individuals who are targeting the Christian community and disturbing the peace and communal harmony in the State.
She pointed out that local bodies impose conditions and restrictions on events, including a rule that they must not promote hatred or target religious institutions. She asked why these conditions were not enforced at the Vasco event. “Recent attacks on Christians make us wonder if this is a deliberate attempt to divert attention by bringing in outside elements into the State,” Freda said.
Majorda Deputy Sarpanch Creson Antao said that people of Goa, across caste and creed, have been offended by Kattar’s remarks against St Francis Xavier. “We have all come together to condemn the statement and demand a ban on organisations promoting hatred and division in society along religious lines,” he said.
Betalbatim Sarpanch Anthony Fernandes demanded that the government immediately arrest Kattar for hurting the sentiments of people who believe in St Francis Xavier.
