I read with concern the article by Jason Keith Fernandes, “Saint Shirobhan and secular death” (Herald Aug 22). He is right in whatever he says. However, what is happening today shouldn’t surprise anyone.
The process of saffronization of Goa started insidiously many years ago and has now reached a peak. What is more, it is now into the open and seems almost state-sponsored, as suggested by Jason.
But then Jason candidly expects all to protest vociferously. Let me be frank. Even if there are a few stray voices of protest from courageous writers like Jason and intelligent and bold voices from the few writers of the majority community who express themselves without fear, who will listen? The man at the helm is himself fully imbued with RSS ideology, though cleverly making calculated overtures to let off the steam for a while.
A large number of people from the minorities who should have come out strongly have already sold their soul to the BJP for a few crumbs of bread and pretend to see and hear no evil anywhere.
In the years to come we will see more and more of this communal agenda – which clearly violates the secular fabric of constitutional governance and is also blatantly casteist – having a free run in the state. The future is bleak and let’s face it.
Dr. Francisco Colaco, Margao
Kudos to Parrikar
This has a reference to main news item on your esteemed newspaper dated 21-8-2014 under the heading “Ram Sene and Muthalik banned”. Manohar Parrikar has hit Muthalik at the right time. Goan irrespective of caste & religion should rejoice at the news & support Parrikar for his daring act.
This Muthalik is a paper tiger and knows only to give threats to the CM and people of Goa. Now, he says he will pull down Parrikar’s Govt. as if this is in his hands. Parrikar has support of Goans and it is for them to decide whether Parrikar Govt. should go or not at the time of Assembly elections.
The statement of Muthalik is in bad taste when he says “Parrikar has turned BJP as Bhartiya Jesus Party. Highly communal statement! How Jesus comes in the picture? He should know that he cannot invoke the name of Jesus who is God to all Catholic/Christians community of this world. Muthalik has stooped low, perhaps a man with no character, a man who talks nonsense and violence. Muthalik has hurt the sentiments of Christians all over the world by his statement and we condemn it.
Joaquim Teles, by email
Decisive step
By banning Sri Ram Sene from entering the state, the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has indeed walked the talk. However it is understood that the ban is for a period of 60 days. What happens after this ban period? One is reminded of the ban on fishing activities which is also for a period of two months.
Will Pramod Muthalik and his tribe commence fishing in troubled waters after the ban period? Will a fresh review be made and the ban extended for a further period of 60 days? For how long will this continue? Given the negative report that has been submitted by the police officials to the government, if possible a permanent ban on the outfit from entering the state would have been a better option.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Margao pay parking
The citizens of Margao and Salcette must support the MMC decision to start the pay parking in the city which will not benefit the residents of Margao but all the people of Salcette who are facing hardships due to some private operators and shopkeepers who park their vehicles all day.
The pay parking will avoid people parking the vehicles unnecessary in the city and will ease a lot of traffic and will have better traffic flow.MMC councilors should not be divided on this issue as this is a very important move for the development of the city.
There should also be no entry from 8 am to 8 pm to all vehicles in the new market so that people can move freely in the market.
Dixon Vaz, Fatorda
