Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today raised serious concern over illegal religious conversions through so called magical healing practices in the State.
Addressing the media on the 150th Jayanti of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in a stern message, said that such illegal practices would not be tolerated in the State henceforth.
“We will not put up with such behavior. Sawant stated that “no more such conversions would be tolerated” and advised people to be vigilant about religious conversions occurring under the guise of praying for the sick or healing.
In India, healing meetings are widespread, and there have even been several in Goa.
Furthermore, as part of a sub-tribal strategy, Sawant promised important welfare measures for the tribal populations of Goa.
From Pernem to Canacona, these programs seek to improve indigenous inhabitants’ access to basic amenities like housing, gas connections, power, toilets, insurance, scholarships, and Forest Rights Certificates (FRC).
Sawant emphasized that these actions would enhance the standard of living for indigenous communities and fill the voids created by past governments.
“The government will never allow religious conversions, but even then I feel, people need to be vigilant… the temple trusts in villages need to be vigilant, families need to be vigilant,” he added.
“Goa is a progressive state and we want to move ahead. It is my right to stop such activities (illegal conversions) as the Chief Minister. If someone files a complaint, he/she should get justice,” Sawant said.
“We need to preserve the culture of Goa. It is my responsibility. Also, we need to pass on the history of Goa to the next generation. The next generation can’t go the right way if they don’t know the history,” he said.
“If a complaint is lodged against those involved in forceful conversions and if there is no provision to bring them to justice, then there is a need to change the law,” Sawant said, adding that such people should not go scot-free.
