UK Goans Demand Immediate Action Over Derogatory Remarks Against St Francis Xavier
In a powerful show of solidarity, Goans residing in the United Kingdom have joined the growing chorus of protests across Goa, vehemently condemning YouTuber Gautam Khattar's derogatory remarks against St Francis Xavier, revered as Goencho Saib. The community has described these comments as a profound insult to their patron saint and the very foundation of the Christian community in Goa.
Calls for Arrest and Criticism of Minister's Silence
The UK-based Goans have urgently called upon Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to order the immediate arrest of Gautam Khattar. Expressing their frustration, St Estevam resident Joseph Lobo, who works in the UK, issued a stark warning: "If the CM fails to take action against him, we will come together and stone Khattar." This statement underscores the intensity of the outrage felt by the diaspora.
Furthermore, the community has sharply criticized Minister Mauvin Godinho, who was present onstage during the event where the remarks were made. They have demanded that a First Information Report (FIR) be filed against him, accusing him of enabling the derogatory comments by his silence. "Despite being a Christian himself, Godinho not only kept quiet but also failed to confront Khattar onstage and enabled the derogatory remarks to continue. He is the main culprit," another Goan emphasized, highlighting the perceived betrayal.
Broader Concerns Over Communal Harmony
The UK Goans expressed deep distress over the emergence of communal tension in Goa, contrasting it with the peaceful coexistence they experience overseas. They noted that Goans of all faiths live harmoniously abroad and find the current situation in their homeland deeply upsetting. This sentiment reflects broader anxieties about social cohesion in the region.
It is noteworthy that this incident marks the second time the UK Goan community has protested remarks about St Francis Xavier. Previously, they had objected to comments made by former RSS Goa chief Subhash Velingker ahead of the exposition of the saint's relics in November 2024, indicating a pattern of sensitivity and activism around this issue.
Political Context and Attendees
The event in question saw the presence of several political figures, including Minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankalp Amonkar and Krishna Salkar. Their involvement has added a political dimension to the controversy, with the UK Goans questioning the accountability of elected representatives in such matters.
As protests continue to mount, the demands from the UK Goan community underscore a global concern for respect and cultural sensitivity, urging swift legal and political action to address what they see as a grave insult to their heritage and faith.
