The recent clashes during the traditional Kalotsav celebration at the Bhumika Temple in Poriem-Sattari, which left around 40 individuals injured, including 15 police personnel, serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of much-talked-about communal harmony in the state. Such violent incidents do not bode well for the social fabric of a region that prides itself on its unity and diversity, which is why, every step must be taken to de-escalate the underlying tensions and prevent future outbreaks of violence.
What transpired during the Kalotsav is very striking. As members of the two rival Mahajan groups — Majik and Rane-Gaonkar — fought over ritual rights at the temple, the situation escalated into fiery exchanges, culminating in stone-pelting and violence. This confrontation not only tarnished the sanctity of a revered tradition but also exposed a system that has allowed the situation to fester by keeping it unaddressed. The political and legal wranglings that preceded these clashes illustrate a lack of effective mediation, which should have been prioritized for the sake of peace.
The role of the local authorities, including the Sub Divisional Magistrate, raises questions about the efficacy of handling such sensitive disputes. The SDM should have acted swiftly because a timely and fair resolution would not have allowed tensions to simmer. The government must be proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that disputes of this nature are resolved before they escalate into physical confrontations.
Further, the police must reassess their strategies concerning crowd control and public safety. The approach of the men-in-uniform was high-handed and certainly not reconciliatory. The police must be equipped with the skills necessary to de-escalate tense situations before they turn violent, rather than merely responding post-factum.
Festivals are like jewels in Goa’s crown, because they unite people. Instances of this nature, especially when there are group clashes over a religious festival speak poorly of our vibrant culture and communal harmony, and should not be acceptable. They signal not only a breakdown of civil order but also an alarming shift towards divisiveness. All stakeholders, including community leaders, must work collectively to defuse tensions and foster dialogue. The government, in particular, must act as a mediator and facilitator, prioritizing the maintenance of peace over the appeasement of factions.
The aftermath of these clashes leaves people with a bruised feeling and raises serious concerns. 38 individuals have been booked by the police over the violence and the deputy collector has been directed to initiate action against 12 for violating bond conditions. While the law will take its own course, the focus should also be on healing the scars that are left behind and preventing further divides.
An investigation into the incidents must not only hold individuals accountable but should also aim to uncover the root causes of such animosities. Public trust in law and order should not be broken. Poriem MLA Deviya Rane has rightly stated, “No one has the right to take law into their own hands.” However, the government must reiterate this sentiment through action and commitment to justice. Engagement, conflict resolution mechanisms, and community outreach programmes are essential to rebuild the trust necessary for communal harmony in Goa.
We should not allow such instances of violence to define us. Every step must be taken to foster a culture of peace and unity so that the legacy that Goa has built over the years does not crumble.
