Goa has witnessed widespread protests following the derogatory remarks made by Gautam Khattar at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, during Parshuram Jayanti celebrations. His statement describing St Francis Xavier as a “terrorist” has deeply hurt the sentiments of Catholics and people of other faiths, triggering outrage across the state. Such irresponsible comments risk disturbing Goa’s communal harmony and fostering unnecessary hatred. Citizens are rightly demanding the immediate registration of an FIR and prompt legal action before tensions escalate further. The government must act swiftly and decisively to prevent any breakdown of law and order. This is not an isolated incident. In the past, individuals like Pramod Muthalik and Subhash Velingkar have also made provocative statements, causing unrest. Repeated attempts to insult revered figures such as “Goencho Saib” raise serious concerns about deliberate provocation. Despite the pain caused, the Church has shown restraint and appealed for peace and communal harmony”values that define Goa’s social fabric. It is imperative that authorities take exemplary action against those responsible and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
