MAPUSA
Keeping in mind some recent communal incidents reported in parts of the country, Mapusa Police decided to hold a meeting with a “peace committee” days before the Id-Ul-Zuha (Bakri Id) on Sunday (July 10).On Wednesday, a meeting was called between representatives of different communities along with councillors and social activists at the Mapusa Police Station.
Representatives of different Mosques in Mapusa were also invited to the meeting.
Chairing the meeting, Mapusa PI Paresh Naik informed that the meeting was called to ensure that there would be no confusion or unruly incident during the celebration of the Id festival.
“We will hold such meetings prior to festivals of other communities also to maintain harmony in the State,” Naik said.
He said the initiative of holding the meeting was under the direction of the DGP and SP North.
The PI also suggested the participants to avoid encouraging beggars outside Mosques as these beggars take advantage of large crowds and indulge in pick-pocketing.
The police also assured in providing all assistance to the committee for the celebration of the Id.
Former Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Ryan Braganza, councillor Ashirwad Khorjuevkar, North Goa District BJP Vice President Franky Carvalho and social activists Pravin Asolkar and Balu Warang were also present for the meeting.
There are in all five mosques in Mapusa, of which three are prominent where a large number of devotees attend the prayer service.
“We had a meeting with the police and formed a peace committee amongst us as we will be celebrating our Id on Sunday. Police have given us some instructions which we will follow,” said Mohammad Motiwala, secretary of Jama Masjid.
He welcomed the initiative to have a peace committee in Mapusa.
