Widespread Protests Erupt in Goa Over YouTuber's Alleged Remarks
Protests erupted across the coastal state of Goa on Saturday, with residents demanding the immediate arrest of YouTuber Gautam Khattar. The demonstrations were sparked by Khattar's alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, made during the Bhagwan Parashuram Janmotsav event in Vasco.
Demonstrations Outside Police Stations
Angry crowds gathered outside police stations in Margao, Vasco, Anjuna, and Old Goa, calling for swift legal action. At the South Goa police headquarters, protesters raised slogans of "We want justice" and met with South Goa SP Santosh Dessai. MLA Altone D'Costa, part of a delegation, stated firmly, "We have told them to arrest. We have given them an ultimatum. We will not tolerate this."
Religious Sentiments Deeply Hurt
Protesters expressed profound distress over the remarks. At Vasco police station, one woman questioned how Khattar could refer to "our Goencho Saib" as a terrorist, saying, "Our sentiments are hurt. Don't fool us by just registering an FIR. Such people should be banned in Goa." Lavina D'Souza, another protester, emphasized, "The remarks made against St Francis Xavier were intolerable. We demand the immediate arrest of Khattar. The government should come clear on the issue, as the religious sentiments of the Christian community in Goa and across the world have been hurt."
Political Condemnation and Demands
MLAs across party lines condemned the incident. The Catholic Association of Goa (CAG) filed a complaint with Vasco police, holding three Mormugao MLAs present at the event equally responsible and demanding a public apology from them. A group led by Pratima Coutinho gathered at the South Goa police headquarters, raising slogans against Khattar, elected representatives present, and the BJP government. Police had to shut the main gate to regulate the crowd seeking to meet the SP and demand registration of an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Warnings and Legal Actions
Former MLA Churchill Alemao issued a stark warning, stating that if such attacks on St Francis Xavier and Christianity continue, people may "take law into their own hands" and he would "step forward to lead the agitation." In the evening, Benaulim Congress block president Keith Gracias, in his personal capacity along with around 100 supporters, submitted a memorandum to Colva police inspector Vikram Naik. They demanded an FIR under sections 302, 196, 299, and 352 of the BNS for allegedly promoting enmity, disturbing communal harmony, and inciting unrest.
Government and Police Response
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant urged organizers not to disturb communal harmony by inviting such speakers. Goa police registered an FIR on Sunday after a video of Khattar's remarks went viral. Sawant said, "Organizers should first warn the speakers. We have already registered the FIR against him. We will conduct an inquiry and act." Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, who was on the dais, explained he attempted to intervene, saying, "We were called on stage expecting to hear something good. The organizers did not inform us who the speakers were. We were shocked and tried twice to ask the organizer to stop the speech. If we had tried to stop it forcefully, there could have been a law and order situation."
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade called the remarks wrong and clarified it was not a government function. Goa Congress president Amit Patkar demanded Khattar's immediate arrest and a ban on those involved in hate speech from entering the state. South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes alleged that the BJP was trying to divide people, stating, "This policy of BJP will fail because Goa is an epitome of communal harmony." Complaints were also filed in Canacona, while Congress functionary Gaspar Coutinho condemned the remarks.
Emphasis on Goa's Unity
Former MP Narendra Sawaikar remarked, "Having a social media presence does not qualify someone as an expert on every subject. We Goans know what is right for us." He added that Goa's cultural heritage and unity remain its most valued strengths, underscoring the community's resilience in the face of such provocations.
