OLD GOA: Local residents and representatives of the Save Old Goa Action Committee (SOGAC) have voiced strong objections against the government’s attempt to refer to the 16th-century historic pillar in Old Goa as “Hatkatro Khambo” (hand-cutting pillar) and cautioned against altering historical facts.
Local resident Jacqueline Fernandes said that petitions have been formally submitted to the Directorate of Archaeology challenging the terminology.
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“We have gone to the Director of Archaeology a couple of times and filed petitions. ‘Hatkatro Khambo’ is nowhere mentioned in historical records. On the pillar itself, it is written in Konkani as ‘Pelourinho Novo’or ‘Novo Khambo’, and in English as ‘New Pillory’. Where is ‘Hatkatro Khambo’ documented? We request the government not to change the name. Keep it as it is since it represents our existence and our truth,” Fernandes said.
She emphasised that almost all historical literature and official markings consistently refer to the site as Pelourinho Novo or New Pillory.
“I urge the administration to remain unbiased and adhere strictly to verified historical evidence,” she added.
Adding to the objections, Old Goa resident Vincent de Silva criticised the State government for promoting unverified narratives that risk altering local identity and creating communal disharmony, particularly ahead of elections.
“Altering the name to ‘Hatkatro Khambo’ changes the core meaning and context of Goan heritage. The government should consult genuine historians, archaeologists, and archives rather than push divisive rhetoric without evidence,” de Silva said.
He alleged that manufactured controversies surrounding heritage sites in Old Goa are aimed at stoking communal tensions close to election time.
Jennifer Silva, representing the Save Old Goa Action Committee, reiterated the committee’s stand against false narratives.
“False allegations and false narratives are being pushed, which disrespects our local heritage. We have submitted petitions to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the State authorities. Goa’s history is accessible to all, and the government should not enforce unverified name changes,” Silva said.
SOGAC coordinator Peter Viegas noted that the historic site—recognised alongside World Heritage structures in Old Goa—must be protected under its legitimate historical identity, as designated in archival maps and municipal records, rather than politically driven renamings.
“We demand that the State government immediately cease using ‘Hatkatro Khambo’ in official notifications and restore focus on preserving Goa’s peaceful, multi-cultural fabric,” Viegas said.
Addressing the media, Viegas asserted that there is no historical evidence supporting the new name or the narrative associated with it.
“Historically, the pillar—located within a UNESCO World Heritage site and an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) 300-metre buffer zone—has been officially known by three names: Pelourinho Novo in Portuguese, Novo Khamba in Konkani, and New Pillory in English,” he said.
Viegas condemned the name change as part of a deliberate narrative promoted by a YouTuber named Gautam Khattar, during a Parshuram Jayanti public event in Vasco, who called St Francis Xavier (Goencho Saib) a terrorist.
He criticised Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for endorsing the name change during the recently concluded Goa Legislative Assembly session, accusing the government of attempting to incite communal tensions and target minorities ahead of upcoming elections.
“We are launching a widespread signature campaign across local villages, churches, and community groups via its Facebook page to oppose the government’s notification,” the SOGAC coordinator said.
He warned that citizens are prepared to take to the streets if the government refuses to reverse the notification and preserve the historical integrity of Old Goa.
