Team Herald
MARGAO: Responding to the Church appeal for peace and harmony, a group of demonstrators from Salcete and neighbouring areas on Sunday called off their protest, but reiterated their demand that former RSS Goa chief Subhash Velingkar be arrested immediately.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the authorities’ inaction in arresting Velingkar, the protesters claimed that this has been done to divert the attention of Goans from the burning issue of land conversion in Goa and added that they respect the call given by the Church to maintain peace.
Adv Pratima Coutinho mentioned that she plans to file an intervention petition regarding the anticipatory bail application filed by Velingkar.
The protesters made their stance clear as they opposed any actions that disrupt peace or involve taking the law into their own hands and warned that they will not tolerate anything that hurts religious sentiments or fosters disharmony among the peaceful Goan community. The protesters said that they believed in upholding their values while promoting unity and respect.
On Sunday, a large group of protesters gathered peacefully at the Old Market Circle in Margao and made a conscious effort to avoid blocking the roads.
However, tension rent the air when a tussle broke out between the police and some protesters, leading to a brief faceoff. Despite the altercation, most demonstrators remained committed to their cause, emphasising the importance of their message over the chaos.
A massive posse of police personnel were deployed at the protest site before the protesters arrived.
A few hours of demonstration, the protesters later decided to call off their rally, emphasising their commitment to maintaining peace in the State but reiterated that their demand for the arrest of Velingkar would persist and vowed to continue advocating for their cause through peaceful means.
An elderly woman among the protesters urged the officials at Bom Jesus Basilica not to extend VIP treatment to political leaders, particularly the MLAs.
She expressed her disappointment that these representatives had not voiced their opposition to Velingkar’s remarks on Goencho Saib.
Her heartfelt plea resonated with many in the crowd, who felt that leaders should stand with the community during times of distress.
“We will not tolerate anything that results in hurting religious sentiments in the near future. We want the government to act and arrest Velingkar at the earliest,” she said, expressing deep frustration with the lack of response from the authorities.
Later, Adv Coutinho, joined by Savio Coutinho, announced that the protest had officially been called off. She emphasised that while they were stepping back from the demonstration, their demand for Velingkar’s arrest would remain unwavering.
“We don’t want to take the law into our hands, but at the same time, the government must act according to the law,” she said, emphasising the need for justice.
SP Santosh Dessai was present at the site with a substantial police force, prepared to maintain law and order.
He assured the people that the police will not allow anyone to block the roads.