VASCO
Two days after clashes erupted between two groups in Baina, Vasco police on Tuesday suggested the setting up of a peace committee for the port town to maintain peace for upcoming festivals.
Mormugao DySP Nilesh Rane put forth this suggestion when he convened a meeting with religious leaders in the presence of Vasco PI Kapil Nayak.
Later speaking to media persons, Rane said the meeting was convened to maintain peace and harmony at all upcoming festivals in the port town.
"There were clashes between two religious groups recently and such incidents should not be repeated. The communal harmony of Vasco must be intact and this is why we had a meeting with all religious leaders for a peace committee.”
“We had around 40 participants and we have discussed all points and sought cooperation from them and urged them to share their inputs with us. We have also urged them not to fall prey to rumours and contact the police immediately in case of any such clashes so that we can take care of the situation immediately before it flares up and goes on a large scale," said DySP Rane.
He said the police has been trying to have an interactive and pro-active peace committee.
“During the meeting I explained to them a few points to consider when we form this committee. It may take some time but we want to take this on top priority and establish a peace committee, what is also known as Mohalla Committee in other states," said DySP Rane.
"We have many more upcoming festivals like Good Friday, Easter, Hanuman Jayanti, Ambedkar Jayanti, etc. We have told leaders to keep police informed regarding any functions that they want to organise, seek proper permissions and discuss all criteria and priorities of the festival and ensure that the events are organised peacefully and well within law," he added.
DySP Rane said all religious leaders have assured their cooperation to the police.
“Vasco is like a mini-cosmopolitan city where people from all religions and states are staying here. This meeting is an effort from the police to take one step forward to restore peace in society," said Rane.
