from Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Sep 19: While Goa Church has said that it is for the authorities to decide ban on Bajrangdal post-Orrisa and Karnataka violence, the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) leaders have said that Dal's alleged activities attracts punishment for the guilty but not the ban.
 
"The government needs to examine properly (the role of Bajrangdal) and if state feels that they are in illegal activities, then, it is for the state to decide," Fr Francisco Caldeira, in-charge of Diocesan communication centre, a wing of Goa Church, said.
 
The Church has already decried the attacks on Christian community and churches in the states of Karnataka and Orissa.
 
"We would not appeal the government to ban any organization. It is a law and order problem and it is for the states to decide on it. Church is all out to give message of peace," Fr Caldeira said.
 
The State has around 30 per cent of its population believing in Catholic faith and has remained away from any untoward incidents. The Church authorities, however, have sympathized with those affected in Orissa and Karnataka violence.
 
"We decry that community which collaborated in progress of the nation is singled out to be attacked," Fr Caldeira added.
 
Reacting to the entire incidents, Goa Church has said that these attacks were well-planned.
 
Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in the State, however, feel that the ban on Bajrangdal is unwarranted. "I denounce the violence. The acts are not acceptable in any way. Whoever is guilty should be arrested, prosecuted and punished. But it does not attract ban on the organization," state's former chief minister and leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar reacted.
 
He said that the case with SIMI was different as it was 'working on anti- national lines'. "Bajrangdal was protesting the conversions by offering money, which is also a crime according to Christian faith.. I have read the Bible and I know it," Parrikar said.
 
The former chief minister recalled that Christian community in the State itself had reacted against the conversion of Roman Catholics into 'Believers'. "In 2001, a priest who headed an educational institute in Benaulim village had got converted into Believer sect. Following this entire Catholic community blacklisted the institution and as a chief minister I had to intervene and arrange for alternate educational facilities for the students," he recalled.
 
Reiterating that he decries the violence, Parrikar said that the tension prevailing in certain parts of the country is basically because of the forceful conversions and it has nothing to do with the hatred against Christian community.
 
"If the conversions are forceful or with money then they need to be stopped. The violence was because of such activities in Karnataka and Orissa," BJP leader Francis D'Souza said.
 
Many Christian community leaders in the state, however, feel that the Bajrangdal should be banned as it encourages hatred.
 
"This organization will disturb the communal harmony in the country. It should be banned," state public works department minister Churchill Alemao reacted.
 
Alemao, who during his recent meeting with United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi, requested her to ban Bajrangdal, said that he will write a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairman asking to ban the organization.