This is with reference to the news report ‘FIR lodged against Velingkar for remarks against St Xavier’ (TGE, Oct 5). At a time when the state and the church in Goa are gearing up with hectic preparations for the exposition of the relics of ‘Goencho Saib’”St Francis Xavier, the recent call made by Subash Velingkar for a DNA test of the sacred relics is something uncalled for, reprehensible, and blasphemous, to say the least.
Not only has Velingkar offended the religious sentiments and beliefs of all Goans and Christians but also those of the millions of pilgrims and devotees who undertake pilgrimages throughout the year to venerate the saint in Goa. In a multi-religious, pluralistic, and secular country like ours, we are constitutionally bound to respect the religious beliefs and practices of all faiths.
It is for this reason that a public apology from Velingkar is the least that he can do to restore the damage done to the honour and sanctity of Goa’s patron saint, as well as to restore the communal peace and harmony in the State, which is presently disturbed following Velingkar’s remarks.
