Team Herald
PANJIM: Locals and political leaders in Old Goa on Sunday held a peaceful protest demanding the arrest of former Goa unit chief of RSS Subash Velingkar over his controversial remarks made against St Francis Xavier.
Speaking on the occasion, Anthony D’Silva, a villager said, "We have sent a message to the government that Goans are united. While we condemn the controversial remarks, we will continue with our peaceful protest till Velingkar is arrested."
Ambar Amonkar, Ward Member of Old Goa Panchayat, said, "We the people of Old Goa are united. We have never heard such derogatory statements made against our Goencho Saib over all these years. I am a Hindu and an ardent devotee of Goencho Saib and say with confidence that St Francis Xavier protects us all."
Jacqueline Fernandes, member of the Save Old Goa Action Committee, said," Subhash Velingkar is a puppet. There are people behind whatever he speaks. The statement has been made to distract people's attention from destruction being caused to Old Goa. We will continue to protest in a peaceful manner and fight against it."
Former Carambolim Sarpanch Wilson Valladares said, “There is need to check the DNA of Catholic MLAs who are extending support to the BJP government. They will occupy the front row during the Exposition.”
We will not have to take to streets if they take a stand and tell the Chief Minister that Subhash Velingkar must be arrested. The Chief Minister would have paid attention to their demand."