Intolerance increasing in Goa, claims Congress MLA Ferreira

Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira spoke out against rising intolerance and violence in Goa, connecting it to the support of the BJP-led government. He expressed these concerns during a session to thank the Governor for their address. Ferreira highlighted the increase in communal hatred and alleged that the local police are acting in cooperation with the Bajrang Dal to intimidate people. He pointed out that the constitution guarantees individual rights, regardless of religion, and criticized the governor for not addressing the growing intolerance in the state. Ferreira noted that communal tensions appear to be systematically escalating across India. He also mentioned a concerning trend where individuals claim to be offended and file police reports. Ferreira cited a recent incident where Bajrang Dal members harassed writer Uday Bhembre at his home. He warned that such conflicts could harm Goa's reputation and affect tourism. He remembered a raid in Mapusa last year, where police allegedly collaborated with the Bajrang Dal without the proper authority or a warrant. Ferreira questioned the legitimacy of the police actions and the findings regarding beef, stating that the tests later showed no evidence of beef in the seized items.