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Prohibitory orders continue in Goa
Panaji: The situation in violence-hit Sanvordem town in Goa following clashes between two communities over demolition of a place of worship is under control even as Section 144 was still clamped in the town as prohibitory measure, police said here today. Sanvordem town has been witnessing violent clashes since the demolition of a religious structure used by a minority community for offering prayers on the night of March 1. Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting assembly of more than four persons, was clamped in the troubled areas and would continue till the situation completely normalises, police added. Police sources said that the situation was peaceful and companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been summoned. Strict vigil is being maintained in the entire South Goa, including talukas of Sanguem, Quepem and Canacona with special attention to minority dominated areas. Earlier yesterday, the police had to use teargas shells to disperse irate mob outside the Curchorem police station, who were demanding the release of the 150 people arrested on Friday during the riots.
Trouble
began on Wednesday when activists of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
demolished an illegal mosque situated on government land. The structure
was demolished by a mob after a local court stayed the government's plea
for removing the structure. However, tension mounted on Friday when people
of a minority community agitating against the demolition of a religious
structure used by them for offering prayers clashed with another group
of people. The situation worsened as police charged baton and fired shots
to disperse the violent crowd, which left five people injured. In the
arson and looting that followed, several establishments were damaged and
many houses and cars were burnt. Two petrol pumps were also ransacked
by the irate mobs on Friday. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has
said that the ruling Congress government in the State is incompetent and
has failed to uphold people's safety. On the other hand, Chief Minister
Pratapsinh Rane has blamed the BJP and RSS for the violence.
-Mar
5, 2006
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