Panaji, Goa: Thousands of people participated in protest marches across Goa on Monday, gathering outside police stations in Vasco, Margao, and Anjuna to demand strict action over alleged remarks concerning Goencho Saib, St. Francis Xavier.
The demonstrations witnessed participation from members of various communities, religious groups, and local organisations, who carried placards, raised slogans, and submitted memorandums to the police. Protesters called for a thorough investigation and urged authorities to take appropriate legal action against those responsible for the controversial remarks.
The large-scale mobilisation reflected the deep emotional and cultural significance of St. Francis Xavier, affectionately known as Goencho Saib, whose legacy holds a special place in Goa’s history and spiritual identity. Participants stressed that preserving communal harmony and mutual respect among all communities remains essential to maintaining the state’s social fabric.
Several speakers at the gatherings appealed for unity and urged people not to allow divisive statements to disturb Goa’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence. They emphasized that the issue extends beyond a single controversy and highlights the importance of respecting the beliefs, heritage, and sentiments of every community.
Police maintained a strong security presence at all protest locations to ensure the demonstrations remained peaceful. Authorities monitored the situation closely, regulated traffic where necessary, and confirmed that law and order remained under control throughout the day.
The protests come amid ongoing public outrage over the alleged remarks and follow the confirmation by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that an FIR has been registered in the matter. Officials have appealed to citizens to maintain peace, refrain from circulating unverified information on social media, and allow the legal process to proceed.
Goa has long been recognised for its communal harmony and inclusive culture, where people of different faiths have coexisted peacefully for generations. Many protesters said they hoped the developments would reinforce the importance of safeguarding the state’s shared values of mutual respect, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, and further action is expected based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
