TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Cutting across religious lines, citizens from Vasco on Thursday strongly condemned plans by the controversial Sri Ram Sene Chief (SRS) Pramod Muthalik to set up his branch in Goa.
Speaking to Herald, a local, Imtiaz Sheik, said: “We don’t need a big brother to keep a watch over us. We are well educated and we know what is good and what is bad for us.”
“Everyone in Goa, be it Muslims, Hindus or Christians, live in harmony and even partake in each others joys and sorrows. We do not need Muthalik to teach what we should do and what we shouldn’t,” added Sheik.
Mahesh Desai of Cuncolim, but residing and working in the port town, said the government should take strong cognisance and stop Muthalik from setting up his unit in Goa. “We live in harmony with each other and if SRS sets up its unit in Goa, it will disturb the fabric of togetherness,” he added.
“Cuncolim is a perfect example where people live in unity. Cuncolim is one of the few places in Goa where one Hindu family is related to a Christian family and vice versa. We take part in each others festivals and other cultural activities and no one, not even Muthalik, can destroy the unity of our people,” said Desai.
Anil Chodankar, a retired headmaster, said the people of Goa are wise and educated and they know to decide for themselves.
“We do not require someone to tell us what is good and what is evil. We have been living in perfect harmony and unity for last several years and we do not want Muthalik to destroy the peace and unity by imposing his views and ideas,” added Chodankar.
Valigno Dias, a business executive, told Herald that one should not give much credit to Muthalik and make him a dummy god.
“Muthalik is described as a controversial person and a controversial person will always create controversy. Just like a chameleon keeps on changing his colour, it is Muthalik’s nature to create controversy just like the chameleon,” remarked Dias.
Anthony Vaz, an entrepreneur, urged the government to stop SRS before it engulfs the entire State. “When we project Goa as an international tourist destination and promote Goa in the international market, the activities of SRS will discourage tourists coming to Goa and whatever revenue we get from the tourism sector will be stopped,” added Vaz.
“I am not scared that he will disturb my religion, but scared that he will destroy Goa and we will not be able to do anything unless the government stops him from entering Goa before damage is done,” said Vaz.
If Sri Ram Sene is allowed to set up its branch in Goa, the social fabric of the State would be disturbed, which in turn, could have an adverse impact on the state’s tourism. The State government has already assured that it will not allow Sri Ram Sene to open its branch in Goa and the government should stick to its decision. In Goa, Hindus, Catholics and Muslims live in harmony and peace. Goa is a tourist destination and people of all religions, caste and creed visit Goa. If Sri Ram Sene is allowed entry in Goa, its social fabric will be disturbed which, in turn, may have effect on the tourism sector.
— St Andre MLA Vishnu Wagh
I do not understand which Goan youth are backing the entry of SRS in Goa to disturb the prevailing peace and communal harmony. In Goa, all Catholics, Hindus, Muslims and others live in perfect harmony by partaking in each others religious festivities and reaching out to others in times of need. However, the entry of SRS could create a communal divide among different communities as his intentions are very clear — divide the communities. Example is the trouble we witnessed in Mangalore which even cost the BJP in the elections.
— CALANGUTE MLA MICHAEL LOBO
