Siolim residents demand arrest, call for externment of Velingkar for 6 months
MAPUSA
Tensions continue to rise in Goa as protests against Subhash Velingkar, a prominent figure known for his controversial statements, escalated with hundreds of locals gathering in Siolim on Sunday evening to demand his arrest. The unrest follows Velingkar’s recent remarks against St Francis Xavier, a revered figure in Goan culture and faith, which have sparked widespread outrage across the State.
Leading the condemnation was Francis Fernandes, former sarpanch of Siolim, who strongly denounced Velingkar’s comments. “Individuals like Velingkar, who show no respect for religious sentiments, have no place in our society,” Fernandes said, addressing the large crowd.
He further called on the State government to take immediate action. “The government should arrest such divisive individuals who seek to disturb the communal harmony we have enjoyed in Goa for generations,” he added.
Fernandes also proposed a more stringent course of action: the externment of Subhash Velingkar from Goa for six months, coinciding with the upcoming exposition of St Francis Xavier.
This triennial event, which draws pilgrims and visitors from all over the world, holds deep religious significance for the Catholic community in Goa, and Fernandes emphasised the need to maintain peace and unity during this period.
The crowd, composed of people from different communities, echoed these demands, with several speakers, including members of the majority community, criticizing Velingkar for what they described as his attempts to sow discord. They expressed their dismay at his statements, highlighting the long-standing tradition of communal harmony in Goa and warning against any actions that could undermine it.
A local resident Santosh Govekar, addressing the gathering, remarked, “Goa has always been a symbol of unity in diversity. We will not allow anyone, regardless of their stature, to disrupt this harmony for their own agenda. The government must take a firm stand against such individuals.”
Various religious and civil organisations have condemned his statements, and the calls for his arrest have grown louder with each passing day.
The protesters later submitted a formal representation to Mapusa Police Inspector Nikhil Palekar, who is currently serving as the officiating Police Inspector of Anjuna, calling for the arrest of Subash Velingkar.
