A Hindu group, ‘Samarth Sangathana Goa’, has submitted a complaint to the Anjuna Police, demanding the registration of an FIR, an immediate investigation, and legal action against social media users accused of posting derogatory comments against Shri Swami Samarth and hurting religious sentiments. The organisation has also given the police an eight-day deadline to identify those responsible and take action, warning that further steps may follow if there is no progress.
However, a spokesperson of the same group, while speaking to some local news channels, was heard making remarks that appeared to target the entire Christian community by referring to them as converted people or outsiders in Goa. Such statements raise an important question: does every citizen not have the fundamental right to choose, follow, and practise the religion of their choice, while living peacefully as a Goan in a democratic country?
It is also true that individuals from various right-wing groups have, at times, posted offensive comments on social media against Lord Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, saints, religious leaders, priests, and nuns using fake identities. These posts have hurt the sentiments of the Catholic community. However, the Catholic community has never responded by blaming the entire Hindu community for the actions of a few individuals.
I would therefore urge members of the group to avoid making statements that target the entire Christian community based on the actions of a few people. Such remarks only create division and promote communal tension in Goa. Whether a person is Hindu, Christian, Muslim, or follows any other faith, no one has the right to question another person’s ancestry, identity, or religious background to claim superiority over others or to spread hatred.
At the same time, as a Goan Catholic, I strongly condemn the derogatory comments made against Shri Swami Samarth by any irresponsible individuals. Anyone who deliberately hurts the religious sentiments of others must face legal action. This is also the message I have learnt from my faith throughout my life — to respect the beliefs of others and never to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments. Mog Asum Dhi.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
