MARGAO: The 'Goyche Fuddle Pillge Khatir' (GFPK), continues to seek permission from the Indian Navy to
access the Anjediva Island for the annual customary prayers of the Goan catholics, which has remained closed since 2003 for security reasons.
The island, which is located off the coast of Canacona taluka in Goa, houses two ancient churches dedicated to Our Lady of Springs and St Francis of Assisi.
The GFPK claims that the people of Goa have a historical and spiritual connection with the island and have the right to visit it twice a year to celebrate the feasts of the patron saints on February 2 and October 4.
However, since 2003, the Indian Navy has restricted the entry of civilians to the island, citing security reasons. The island is used as a naval base and a missile testing site by the Indian Navy, said Jack Mascarenhas, President, GFPK.
The GFPK alleges that this has caused severe hardships to the devotees who are accustomed to visit the island for their religious obligations.
Mascarenhas also brought to the notice of the reported that the GFPK has been petitioning various authorities, including the President of India, the Defence Minister of India, the Governor of Goa, the Chief Minister of Goa, and the Revenue Department, to grant them permission to access the island for the annual prayers.
On September 11, the GFPK received a letter from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Karwar, informing that their pending issue of permission to celebrate the feasts of the churches at Anjediva Island has been forwarded to the Flag Officer Commanding, Indian Navy Karwar. Accordingly, the GFPK sent an email to the Flag Officer and visited personally to the Karwar Navy office today to discuss the matter.
Mascarenhas said that the officials assured them that they will try their best to help them and said that they may not be able to grant permission in October, but they will work on getting the permission in February.