The arrest of a priest for allegedly passing comments on Chatrapati Shivaji was uncalled for and supposedly drawn out of context. It was indeed unfortunate what transpired at Vasco police station which ended up with the arrest of popular priest Fr Bolmax Pereira, a well known activist who would raise pertinent issues affecting Goa. Bringing out the very name of the 16th century Maratha strongman and warrior caused confusion in active circles of his modern day followers that ranckled nerves adversely affecting the priest in the deliberations that followed. His arrest obviously will spark undue tension within the Christian minority community who will see the popularity of the priest erode in light of what has happened.In a democratic set up where freedom of speech is one of the pillars laid down in the constitution it was unwarranted to be incarcerated followed by imprisonment. Advice in the present climate prevailing one should refrain from free linguistic jargons which would arouse Ill feelings within various communities, thereby bringing much wrath. It's unbecoming to see a spiritual religious leader to face the consequences of a mere reference of the Maratha leader in his free flowing sermon in a place of worship that caught the attention of some Shivaji followers. Hope peace be given a chance and no further tensions are provoked and vehemently put down.
