He said that in the name of security, the Navy cannot harass the locals (Hindus and Christians) who annually visit the Island to offer prayers asking for calm sea, good business and heath. The reaction came following the report on Herald where members of Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners’ Association had accused Navy officials of obstructing the celebration at Grande Island on Sunday.
“Whatever happened with the people at Grande Island is bad and needs to be condemned. It is not that the people had gone to the island to create a nuisance. It is the tradition, which people have been following for decades.”
“Even our priest had gone to the island to perform prayers but the way Navy officials came down and started threatening people and asking them to leave with the claim that the island belongs to them is wrong. Navy should respect the feeling of locals who jointly performs Tulsi Vivah rituals followed by Mass offered before the Cross on the island. If Navy officials had any issues with our rituals or our presence then they should have given some intimation to us before,” said Fr Coutinho.
