Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Amarnath Panjikar, Chairman of the Media & Communication Department of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee, has strongly criticised the offensive remarks made against St. Francis Xavier, calling them deeply hurtful and an attack on Goa’s inclusive cultural fabric.
He said the saint is widely respected as a symbol of peace, faith and unity, and warned that such statements could disrupt communal harmony in the state. Panjikar described the comments allegedly made by Gautam Khattar as intentional and provocative, aimed at creating divisions among communities.
The Congress leader also raised concerns over the lack of response from the state leadership, questioning why Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has not publicly condemned the remarks. He asked whether the government intends to act or remain silent on an issue that has upset many Goans.
Emphasising that freedom of expression should not be misused to offend religious sentiments, Panjikar called for strict legal action against those responsible. He demanded immediate steps, including the arrest of the accused, to ensure accountability and send a clear message against hate speech.
He further urged for an unconditional apology and appealed to citizens to stay united, stressing that Goa’s strength lies in its tradition of harmony and mutual respect.
