Tensions Rise in Goa as Christians Demand RSS Leader’s Arrest Over Communal Remarks

Tensions escalated in Goa as the Christian community called for the arrest of Subhash Velingkar, former chief of the RSS’s Goa unit, following his controversial remarks about Catholic missionary St. Francis Xavier. His comments have sparked protests and unrest in parts of the state.

On Sunday, political leaders and locals gathered in Old Goa, demanding legal action against Velingkar. The protesters urged like-minded citizens to join them in Margao city, South Goa, for further demonstrations. Late Saturday night, protesters blocked a national highway in Margao and clashed with police, resulting in the detention of five individuals.

Church authorities in Goa have called for peace and restraint amidst the growing tensions. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP, accusing them of deliberately inciting communal unrest. He tweeted, “The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh organizations calling for an economic boycott of Muslims. Goa’s harmony is under attack.”

The Council for Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), part of the Archdiocese of Goa, issued a statement condemning Velingkar’s “insulting” remarks, stating that they hurt the religious sentiments of not only Catholics but people of other faiths who revere the saint.

The council urged protesters to remain peaceful for the sake of communal harmony and called on authorities to take strict action against Velingkar for “deliberately trying to disturb communal harmony in Goa.” Over 12 cases have been filed against Velingkar for “hurting religious sentiments,” but he has not been arrested yet. He filed for anticipatory bail on Saturday, but the local court deferred the decision until Monday.