Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira has taken a hardline position on remarks perceived to hurt religious sentiments, stating that such acts should be treated as threats to public order and national security rather than mere law-and-order violations.
Referring to the controversy involving Gautam Khattar, Ferreira said individuals responsible for inciting religious discord should face detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
Rejecting the idea of restricting entry as a sufficient measure, he argued that stronger legal intervention is necessary to deter attempts that could disturb communal harmony.
Ferreira alleged that such statements are often aimed at creating division and eroding Goa’s social and cultural fabric, warning that authorities must act decisively to prevent escalation.
He further underlined that any insult directed at religion must invite strict legal consequences to ensure peace and stability in society.
In a separate but related concern, Ferreira questioned the move to rename a historical structure in Old Goa from “Pelourinho Novo” to “Hath Katro Khamb.”
He maintained that there is no verifiable historical evidence supporting claims associated with the proposed name, including narratives of punitive practices linked to the site.
Calling for restraint, the MLA emphasized that heritage-related decisions must be grounded in documented history and credible research.
He cautioned against relying on anecdotal accounts or interpretations drawn from unverified sources, stating that such approaches risk distorting Goa’s historical record.
