PANAJI
The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG), which represents the Catholic laity in the State, has petitioned various authorities seeking increased security at Sancoale and to take action against individuals or groups allegedly trying to sow discord and disharmony among religious communities in Sancoale.
In a press note on Monday, CAG President Emidio Pinho said the association has expressed “grave concern at recent attempts to disturb and weaken the social and religious fabric of Goa by some motivated and fundamentalist elements at the Sancoale Church.”
The CAG pointed out to recent video clips and press notes by some groups on social media threatening to disrupt the traditional Feast of St Joseph Vaz at Sancoale in the church property on January 16.
“To the best of our knowledge, these agenda-driven individuals, misled and instigated by one individual having a civil dispute with the Church and wrongfully claiming tenancy rights based on specious grounds had approached the High Court and the matter was disposed off by the court with no relief granted as sought by the petitioners.”
“The failure of these individuals before the Court of Law, it appears, has made them use other devious means to achieve their ulterior goals. Communal disharmony should not be allowed to be festered in Goa on frivolous pretexts on any count,” stated the CAG.
The CAG has appealed to law-enforcement authorities to come down heavily on such elements that create enmity and conflict among people and communities without fear or favour.
“We hope that law enforcement authorities will take necessary steps, either preventive or protective, to ensure peace and security during the ongoing Novena and the Feast of St Joseph Vaz and that, stringent action will be taken on individuals or groups that are hell bent on taking law in their own hands,” the CAG added.
