The Sea Bird officials, did not permit the customary feast of Our Lady of
Springs today for the sixth time in succession since February, 2004 when it
was last held. Following developments of damage to some Churches elsewhere in
Karnataka , the underlying situation appeared tense but was under control. This
writer had a teletalk with the Karnataka Minister for Fisheries Mr Ananth
Asnotikar who is also the BJP MLA of Karwar, early this morning and brought to
his kind notice, that the then Deputy Commissioner of Karwar MrR Singh had
erred in banning visits to the Island following the threats by the Ram Sena led
by Shri Pramod Mutalik ( expelled from the Bajrang Dal ) now based in Hubli in
October, 2004 on the eve of Dusserha to hold religious rites at a site on the
Island of Anjediv where the deity of Goddess Arya Durga was believed to be
located prior to the advent of the Portuguese in 1500. on the Island.
But this seemed to be a tactical ploy by the Ram Sena to build its base in
Karwar, otherwise a secular bastion since times immemorial wherein both
majority and minority communities mainly traditional fisherman celebrated the
customary feast of Zorinche Saibinn".
Mr Asnotikar was also informed that the then Dy Commissioner could not have
excercised his jurisdiction on the Anjediv Island which is still a part of Goa
in Canacona Taluka South Goa District. It is this order that the Sea Bird
officials have been quoting discreetly to their superiors at the Western
Command in Mumbai or the Integreted Services Division Headquarters New Delhi
according to some ex-officials of the Navy.
There were police posted at the various strategic locations and also Naval
police to apprehend any attempts by the faithful to force entry into the Island.
The local Kannada daily " Karavalli Munja" also reported today that the
customary feast was banned and entry to the Island prohibited.
When this writer contacted the locals familiar with the organisation of
festivities yesteryears they promised to discuss the matter with the Minister
and their MLA Shri Asnotikar late this evening just before filing this report.
Meanwhile telephonic contacts with the Bishop of Karwar Diocese His Grace
Derrick Fernandes could not be established as they were not accessible and
unavailable. Another priest earlier overseeing the activities at Anjediv but
now posted at Kumta has proceeded on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land according to
reliable sources..
Meanwhile this writer faxed a protest letter to the Union Defence Minister late
evening demanding of him to probe into the dual stance adopted by the Sea Bird
officials in denying the celebration of the customary feasts invoking the
threat perception and security considerations while allowing the members of
the public to visit the base and the warships during Navy Week.
Unfortunately at the check post and even in some places of Canacona there were
rumours that the feast was permitted and hence many had proceeded to Karwar
only to be told that entry to the Island was prohibited. When this writer
contacted the chaplain of a chapel at Loliem this morning he first confirmed
that the festivities were permitted but later apoligised for the misinformation
as the Parish priest of Galgibag confirmed to him that the festivities were not
permitted.
In a separate letter the Chairperson of the UPA II and President of the Indian
National Congress has also been informed oftoday's development and her
intervention sought to safeguard the interests of the Catholic community
against the arrogance of the Sea Bird officials.
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[email protected]
Your Mail works best with the New Yahoo Optimized IE8. Get it NOW!
http://downloads.yahoo.com/in/internetexplorer/
