PANAJI
The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), the social work wing of the Archdiocese of Goa, has strongly condemned the verbal assault and unruly behaviour against Fr Bolmax Pereira, parish priest of St Francis Xavier Church, Chicalim, on March 6 by some miscreants allegedly having allegiance to a local politician.
In a press release, CSJP Executive Secretary Fr Savio Fernandes stated that Fr Pereira along with the youth of the parish had gone to congratulate a young parishioner on her unopposed victory in the local panchayat elections.
“The said miscreants earlier used demeaning words and tried to pressurise and bully the youth and her family, thereby creating a sense of fear and intimidation.”
“This evil and cowardly act was distressing and shocking and has caused disharmony in the local area. The CSJP condemns the attack and expects civil authorities concerned to take firm and appropriate action immediately in view of putting an end to such antisocial activities,” said Fr Fernandes.
Fr Fernandes said the CSJP demands that the constitutional rights of every citizen be protected.
“Every citizen, including a priest, has the right to express his/her opinion. The CSJP reiterates that any legitimate dissent by citizens could be expressed by making use of means given by the laws of the land. Violence in any form is never to be resorted to.”
“We expect that such misbehaviour will be dealt with appropriately, according to the provisions of the law,” added Fr Fernandes.
