As protests flare over ex-Goa RSS chief’s remarks on Saint Francis Xavier, Church says ‘insulting’, but calls for restraint

Appealing to the citizens “not to distract attention” from major issues plaguing the state, Fernandes said, “We express our solidarity with the non-violent protests and appeal to the people, in the name of the peace and harmony that has always existed in this state, to exercise restraint in the interest of the general law and order situation.”

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of “deliberately stoking communal tensions” in Goa.

In a post on X on Sunday, Gandhi said Goa’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people.

“Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack. The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh organisations calling for an economic boycott of Muslims,” he said.

“In Goa, the BJP’s strategy is clear: divide the people while exploiting ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations – an assault on Goa’s natural and social heritage. BJP’s attempts will not go unchallenged. The people of Goa and the whole of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united,” Gandhi added.

On Friday night, Goa police had booked Velingkar for “outraging religious feelings and insulting religious beliefs” by giving a “maligning speech against St Francis Xavier”. The protesters demanding Velingkar’s arrest took to the streets on Saturday as hundreds gathered outside the police station in Margao and blocked roads and traffic movement. Protests also took place in Old Goa, Canacona, Panaji, Anjuna and Ponda among other parts of the state. Police on Saturday night resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse some protesters in Margao.

In a statement, Goa Police on Sunday said multiple raids have been conducted in Goa and Maharashtra to arrest Velingkar, who is “absconding”. Police on Sunday also booked protesters for blocking national highway within the jurisdiction of Fatorda police station, Margao in South Goa. The FIR said that over 500 people formed an “unlawful assembly” demanding Velingkar’s arrest and blocked national highway (NH-66), thereby blocking the movement of vehicular traffic and the general public. It added that protesters assaulted a motorcycle rider and other commuters and used “criminal force against police personnel by pelting stones on them, while they were discharging their lawful duties at Old Market circle”.

Sporadic protests took place in Siolim, Anjuna, Old Goa and Ponda on Sunday evening.