Goa: Protests Erupt as RSS Leader’s Remarks on St. Francis Xavier Spark Outrage

Over the past few days, Goa has witnessed escalating tensions following provocative remarks made by Subhash Velingkar, a former chief of the state’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) branch. The uproar was in response to Velingkar’s call for a “DNA test” on the relics of St. Francis Xavier, the revered patron saint of Goa. Velingkar’s uncalled remarks sparked widespread outrage among the Christian community and beyond over the past three days. His comments not only provoked protests across various regions but also led to police action, including multiple complaints and an FIR filed against him for “outraging religious feelings.” As protesters took to the streets in Goa, calling for his arrest, political leaders from various opposition parties joined the fray, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately stoking communal tensions in the state.

Amid this turmoil, local authorities have stepped up efforts to apprehend Velingkar, who is currently reported to be evading capture. Demonstrators from the Christian community, along with political leaders from opposition parties, gathered outside police stations in places like Margao, Panaji, Old Goa, Canacona, Anjuna, and Ponda, demanding Velingkar’s immediate arrest. Protesters voiced their outrage over his call for a “DNA test” on the saint’s relics, which they deemed as deeply disrespectful and an attempt to incite communal discord. They organised marches, blocked roads, and sang hymns in solidarity, emphasising the need for Velingkar to face legal consequences for his remarks.

As tensions continue to rise, the demands of the protestors centre around issues of  accountability and arrest of Velingkar, the protection of religious sentiments, and a reaffirmation of Goa’s longstanding tradition of coexistence among diverse communities. As communities rally for justice and accountability, calls for peace and restraint by the Church have also emerged, underscoring the delicate balance that must be maintained in a region known for its diversity and harmony.

Protests across Goa

1. Panaji: Members of the Christian community from Taleigao, Caranzalem, Panaji, St. Cruz, and Merces marched to the Panaji Police Station on Sunday morning, demanding Velingkar’s arrest. They sang hymns and prayed outside the station, expressing their outrage over his statements. As per the report of The Goan, protesters also gathered at the Panaji police station to submit a memorandum demanding action against Velingkar.

2. Margao: In Margao’s old market area, a heavy police presence was deployed to prevent road blockages. Tensions surged late Saturday night when police used batons to disperse protesters, resulting in several injuries. A local youth, who was not part of the protest, reported being assaulted during the lathi charge while returning home from work. Police cane-charged a group of protesters and detained five individuals who had blocked a national highway, demanding Velingkar’s arrest. The protests led to clashes, with some demonstrators being injured.

3. Vagator: In Vagator, locals blocked the Vagator-Anjuna road, burning tires and other materials in their demand for Velingkar’s arrest. The situation turned violent when a photographer was reportedly assaulted by police during the protests in Margao, where many demonstrators were detained.

4. Valpoi: In Valpoi, dozens marched to the police station, insisting that protests would continue until the government takes action against Velingkar. Local political leaders and citizens expressed outrage, and a large crowd of over 100 protesters gathered outside the Valpoi police station. They submitted a memorandum to Police Inspector Videsh Shirodkar, demanding immediate action against Velingkar. Fr. Robert Fernandes from the Valpoi Church emphasised that Velingkar’s remarks not only hurt the Catholic community but also disturbed the overall peaceful atmosphere in the region.

After FIRs for hate speech, ex-Goa RSS chief is 'absconding'.
There were several protests across Goa, Many police complaints filed against former Goa unit chief of RSS Subhash Velingkar across Goa for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and disrupting communal harmony.… pic.twitter.com/YjFkejx1sJ

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) October 6, 2024

Police lathicharge to disperse protestors at Margao; two detained#Goa. #Protest #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/qN75IkPtde

— The Goan 🇮🇳 (@thegoanonline) October 5, 2024

Brief background of the statement made by Subhash Velingkar

Subhash Velingkar, a figure infamous for his previously inflammatory remarks, has ignited controversy once more with his recent comments about St. Francis Xavier, a highly revered figure in Goan Christian history. His recent assertion that the “DNA” of St. Francis Xavier has negatively impacted Goan society can not only be characterised as provocative but also indicative of a dangerous attempt to undermine the peaceful coexistence of various religious communities in Goa. Such divisive language threatens the very essence of Goa, a state celebrated for its harmonious integration of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians who have coexisted for centuries.

Velingkar’s remarks are part of a broader pattern of incendiary statements aimed at offending religious sentiments, particularly those of the Christian community in Goa. In 2022, former Goa minister Francisco Mickky Pacheco had lodged a police complaint against Subhash Velingkar for giving an offensive speech wherein Velingkar had stated that “St Francis Xavier should not be revered as the patron saint of Goa, as he was involved in atrocities during the inquisition, and Lord Parshuram was the real “Goencho Saib” (patron saint of Goa).” Even then his remarks had led to widespreak protests and condemnation.

His ongoing targeting of this group with intentional and bigoted comments raises significant concerns. This is not only an affront to the Christian community but also an insult to the enduring unity that characterises Goan society. His latest statement regarding St. Francis Xavier, whose impact on Goan culture and heritage is indisputable, exemplifies the perilous nature of his rhetoric.

Response by Goa Chief minister Pramod Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has appealed for calm, assuring the public that the law will take its course. He reiterated that similar action would be applied to Velingkar as was done in the case of Father Bolmax Pereira, a priest previously arrested for allegedly making provocative remarks.

Notably, amidst these protests, the Bicholim police issued a notice for Velingkar to appear for questioning. His residence in Panaji was searched late night of October 4, but the accused was reportedly not found. As per media reports, significant police force has been deployed in these areas to ensure law and order is maintained.

Former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao criticised Chief Minister Sawant, asserting that he would be held responsible for any unrest arising from Velingkar’s remarks. Alemao demanded that the Chief Minister either arrest Velingkar or take responsibility for any law-and-order issues that may arise.

As per The Goan, Churchill emphasised that the sentiments of all who venerate St. Francis Xavier, including Christians and Hindus, have been hurt by Velingkar’s statements. He further added that Velingkar has made numerous controversial statements that have upset the public, insisting that the agitation would continue until the government takes appropriate action against him.

Calls for peace by Church

In a statement released on the evening of October 5, Fr. Savio Fernandes, executive secretary of the Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), condemned the “insulting and derogatory” remarks made by Subhash Velingkar. The Goan Catholic Community expressed deep concern over Velingkar’s comments, which they believe have offended not only Catholics but also many individuals from other faiths who honor St. Francis Xavier.

The CSJP, a social work arm of the Goa Church, urged protesters to exercise restraint to maintain peace and communal harmony. The statement emphasised, “Velingkar’s statements have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of not only Catholics but also of many others who have received numerous favours in their lives after praying to the saint.” They called on government authorities to take strict action against Velingkar for attempting to disrupt communal harmony by intentionally pitting one community against another.

Fr. Fernandes also highlighted pressing issues facing Goa, such as environmental concerns and demographic changes, which require immediate attention from authorities. He urged citizens to focus on these significant matters rather than being sidetracked by Velingkar’s remarks.

Following the above statement, protests in South Goa’s Margao were called off on October 6. This decision came amid appeals from Church representatives and activists to exercise restraint and uphold peace.

Opposition leaders mobilise against Velingkar

Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and several other parties lodged police complaints against Subhash Velingkar and participated in the agitation.  As per the report of The Goan, the protests across Goa were significantly fuelled by a complaint filed by Aam Aadmi Party MLA Cruz Silva, who accused Velingkar of attempting to drive a wedge between the two major communities in Goa with his remarks. Silva called for legal action against Velingkar, asserting that the derogatory comments were inflammatory and detrimental to communal harmony. His statements played a crucial role in mobilising public sentiment against Velingkar, prompting protests across various regions in Goa.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately inciting communal tensions in Goa due to Velingkar’s remarks about St. Francis Xavier, the state’s patron saint. In a post on X, Gandhi stated, “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.”

Gandhi further noted, “Across India, similar actions by the Sangh Parivar continue with impunity, backed by support from the highest levels.” He criticised the BJP’s strategy in Goa, asserting that it seeks to divide the populace while exploiting ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and ignoring environmental regulations—an assault on Goa’s natural and social heritage. He concluded, “BJP’s attempts will not go unchallenged. The people of Goa and all of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united.”

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…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 6, 2024

Action taken against Velingkar so far

On the night of October 4, the Bicholim police in North Goa police booked Velingkar for “outraging religious feelings and insulting religious beliefs” due to his “maligning speech against St. Francis Xavier.” It is crucial to be noted that Velingkar had also filed for pre-arrest bail after evading two notices by Bicholim police to appear for investigation.

In a statement on October 6, the Goa Police announced that multiple raids had been conducted across Goa and Maharashtra to locate Velingkar, who is currently “absconding.”

Additionally, police registered FIRs against protesters for obstructing the national highway within the Fatorda police station jurisdiction in Margao. The FIR reported that over 500 individuals formed an “unlawful assembly,” blocking National Highway 66 and impeding vehicular traffic and the public’s movement. The report also stated that the protesters assaulted a motorcycle rider and other commuters, using “criminal force against police personnel by pelting stones” while they were performing their lawful duties at the Old Market circle.