Team Herald
MARGAO: Extending their support to the protesters, parishioners of Loutolim organised a rally around the Church Square on Sunday. The villagers came together to voice their collective outrage, demanding the arrest of Subhash Velingkar for his controversial remarks about Goencho Saib.
Carrying banners and chanting slogans, they condemned his statements and expressed their commitment to preserving their cultural values.
Several senior citizens, along with local political leaders, participated in the rally, singing hymns dedicated to St Francis Xavier. Their presence emphasised the community's deep-rooted connection to their faith and harmony among the Goans.
Many participants expressed that Velingkar's remarks had significantly hurt their religious sentiments, prompting them to take a stand.
Speaking to reporters, Filu Fernandes, a local panch member and parishioner of the Saviour of the World Church in Loutolim, asserted that Velingkar's remarks were in bad taste.
"His remarks have not only caused major pain to the members of the Catholic community but to all citizens of Goa," she stated emphatically.
She emphasised their unwavering faith in Goencho Saib, declaring, "Nobody can stop us from believing in him."
She said that they have never spoken out against the religion to which Velingkar belongs, questioning why he would attempt to make remarks against their faith.
"We respect all beliefs, and it’s disheartening to see such disrespect directed at ours," she said.
Fernandes also emphasised that this issue extends beyond the Catholic religion, asserting that it affects all peace-loving Goans.
"This isn't just about our faith; it's about the values we all hold dear as a community," she remarked passionately.
Rosalin Fernandes, another parishioner, expressed her feelings of insult due to Velingkar's remarks about Goencho Saib.
"Velingkar's remarks are clear-cut evidence of hatred, and such individuals should face heavy punishment from the government," she demanded.
Parishioners participating in the rally held placards and banners that boldly demanded Velingkar's arrest and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's resignation, while chants of "We want justice" rang loudly in the village.