GUILHERME ALMEIDA
MARGAO: Leaders of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad might have used its platform to spew venom against the minorities at its Sunday convention at Fatorda as part of its agenda to polarise and divide the society on communal lines.
But, meters away from the convention venue, near the KTC bus stand to be precise, one came across the Goan spirit of brotherhood still alive and kicking – a comradeship which may even unnerve many an outstation VHP or RSS leader, hell bent on targeting the minorities by directing their statements at Mother Teresa and on conversions.
Minutes after curtains came down on the VHP convention at the SAG sports grounds, near the swimming pool, Fatorda, tension was palpable near the KTC bus stand – just meters away from the convention venue site. As news of the rioting and assault near the KTC bus stand spread in the neighbourhood, there were fears whether the incident was in any way linked to the VHP convention. The police in riot gear led by PI Sudesh Naik came in full strength to tackle any eventuality suspecting that the trouble was linked to the VHP convention.
But, as it turned out, an irate crowd of locals was only demanding justice for a local lad who was mercilessly assaulted with bottles by passengers of a Karnataka bound tourist coach. They were apparently unaware of the background of the Fatorda lad or his religious affiliation, but their one point agenda before the police was to seek justice for the ‘Goan’ victim. Amongst the 200-300 strong crowd were people hailing from all the three communities — Hindus, Christians and Muslims — who were demanding justice for the victim Swapnil Yeswant Prabhu.
While many descended at the Hospicio hospital to express their solidarity with the victim, others assembled at the Margao police station demanding stern action against the assailants.
Camilo Barretto, who briefed the media about the incident, said they have come together since passengers from the Karnataka bound coach attacked a Goan. “We are concerned over the attack. If the assailants go unpunished, people from outside the state will be emboldened to attack Goans in their own state”, Camilo said.
