News: Br Malvino Alfonso OCD
Pics: Joseph Fernandes
Panaji, Aug 9: A solidarity meet in Goa which was organized by the Council for Social Justice and Peace of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, in collaboration with several civil society organizations, including Goa needs Minority Commission a coalition of different organizations, Citizens Initiative for Communal Harmony and Catholic Association has strongly condemned recent attacks against minorities in India and renewed calls for the formation of a State Minority Commission in Goa while opposing the proposed enactment of an anti-conversion law in the state.
A peaceful solidarity meet was held at Azad Maidan, Panaji, to strongly condemn recent attacks on minorities.
The meet, on August 9, which was attended by Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Bishop Simião Fernandes,Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman,citizens of all faith, activists, and community leaders in a united call for the protection of minority rights and the promotion of communal harmony. Participants unanimously resolved to submit a petition to the Government.
The petition which was read by Fr Savio Fernandes, executive secretary of the Council for Social Justice and and signed by those who gathered, referred to the recent arrest of two Keralite nuns and a tribal man at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh as “one of the latest in a spate of persecutions of minorities in India.” The arrests were made under the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968, following a complaint by Bajrang Dal members led by Jyoti Sharma, alleging forced conversions.
Petition which was signed by the citizens gathered at the meet criticised the move to amend the Chhattisgarh law, saying it was being made “harsher” in order to “create a hype around conversions and justify the enactment of the amendments.” They pointed out that the legislation is being modelled on the Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion law, which contains “harsh provisions” such as shifting the burden of proof to the accused and defining “conversion” so broadly that “any person from a minority community can simply be targeted.”
According to the participants, such provisions could severely impact the ability of Christian missionaries and members of other minority faiths to conduct charity work, fearing accusations of conversion. They further stated that “some of the newer anti-conversion laws stand in complete violation of the right to freedom of religion, as well as other fundamental rights,” and called for the protection of minority communities under Articles 14, 19, 21, 25, and 26 of the Constitution of India.
Citing the Karnataka High Court’s warning about the potential “weaponization” of anti-conversion laws by vigilante groups, the statement drew parallels to Goa, where Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced a proposal to enact such a law. They noted that his statement was linked to the arrest of S. B. Krishna (alias Ayesha) in Uttar Pradesh — a case which they claimed had “no direct connection to Goa.”
“This announcement by the Chief Minister is like adding salt to the wounds of the minorities in Goa,” one statement read, arguing that instead of addressing the long-standing demand for a State Minority Commission, “such baseless laws are being proposed.” highlighted the petition
The petition highlighted incidents in which minorities in Goa have “faced riots, hate speech, incitement, and provocative statements,” as well as challenges to their livelihoods. Participants alleged that false FIRs had been registered against community members, later quashed by the courts, and that minorities had been denied permission to hold meetings, rallies, or protests, with “anti-terror laws and oppressive anti-conversion laws dangled over them.”
Minority institutions, including educational and social welfare organisations, were also reported to be “facing increasing challenges.”
Three key demands:
The solidarity meet concluded with three key demands:
1. The immediate setting up of a transparently selected and accountable State Minority Commission, backed by a state law.
2. A rejection of any proposal to enact an anti-conversion law in Goa, citing its misuse in other states.
3. Restoration of law and order through the protection of religious freedom and minority rights.
Speakers included pastor David of Methodist Church, Ramesh Gauns president of Raxttr Seva Dal, Abdul Wahab of the Association for the Protection of Civil Rights, Cyril Fernandes, vice president of Catholic Association of Goa, Sayeed Iftiyaz, Adv Albertina Almeida and Adv Caroline Collasso.
In his welcome address, Fr Savio Fernandes, executive secretary of the council for social justice and peace, emphasized the importance of peaceful action in defending the dignity and safety of all communities. “ it is our constitutional right to live and proclaim our faith. “ said Fr Fernandes.
Mathew Almeida anchored the proceedings,, while Adv John Samuel delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the presence and support of all attendees.
The meet concluded with singing national anthem. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to justice, peace, and the safeguarding of democratic values.