BJP blamed for Margao flare-up
From Devika Sequeira, DHNS, Panaji:
devikasequeira@gmail.com
Goa Chief Secretary J P Singh has asked for a report from the collector and the superintendent of police, South Goa, on the communal flare-up that brought Margao to a standstill for two days on Wednesday and Thursday.
"Action will be taken depending on the reports," Mr Singh said. But leading citizens in Margao said they were deeply perturbed over the recent incidents, more so because the state administration stood by passively as gangs of right-wing Hindu organisations had a free run in the town and surrounding residential areas.
Trouble erupted in Margao on Wednesday over an eve-teasing incident and an assault on a local trader.
Though all five accused, Afzal Karasgi, Aslam Karasgi, Mohamed Gavas, Abdul Shaik and Sameer Bepari, were arrestedby the police by Thursday, Bajrang Dal and Bharat VikasParishad (BVP) activists were allowed to gather near thehomes of the accused to make provocative speeches, block roads and force closure of establishments and cultural functions, say local journalists.
"We have no doubt these were BJP supporters out to communalise the issue," a senior police official said. Goa goes to polls on June 2.
Loksatta correspondent Raju Nayak, one of the organisers of 'Rangotsava', a five-day music festival in Margao, said Bajrang Dal activists stormed in at the venue of the concert after 8:00 pm on Thursday (much after the Margao bundh had ended) and forced the closure of the programme.
Mr Nayak alleged that the South Goa Collector Santosh Vaidya's "saffron leanings" had inhibited him from carrying out his duties objectively.
Margao-based cardiologist Francisco Colaco says there has been simmering tension in the Margao market over the large influx of Muslim vendors from Dharwad and Hubli. Wednesday's incident was blown out of proportion by saffron groups, he says.Congress MLA and Power Minister Digamber Kamat, who is attempting a fourth term from Margao says: "I have grown up and lived in the old market area where Muslims, Hindus and Catholics have always rubbed shoulders amicably". The BJP's "political tactics" to drive a wedge between communities is disturbing, he adds.
Deccan Herald, May 13, 2007
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