A low intensity explosion that killed two people in Goa failed to dampen the festive mood of Hindus celebrating Diwali and Catholics celebrating a Marian fest in the Margao area.
Two activists of the Hindu group Sanatan Sanstha were killed in Margao town when explosives they were carrying in their two-wheeler vehicle went off in a traffic jam on Oct. 16 night.
The Goa police on Oct. 18 formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the low-intensity blast but no one was arrested even two days after the blast, reports said.
Despite the blast thousands of Hindus visited nearby temples on Oct. 17 and colorful fireworks lit up the sky at night as they celebrated Diwali.
Hundreds of Catholics joined prayers at Margao’s Monte Hill Oct. 17 to celebrate the feast of the Our Lady of Piety.
Margao Municipal Council chairperson Savio Coutinho said the blast has not affected social life in Margao. Although the blast was the topic for general talk in the town, it has not stopped people from coming out and enjoying themselves, he added.
Udai Bhembre, a lawyer and writer in Margao, said the town has shown no sign of distress. One reason could be the fact that “no innocent lives” were lost.
Cleofato Coutinho, a political observer, however laments, Margao has become a hotspot. “It is surrounded by Catholic dominated areas and there are efforts being made towards polarization of the communities,” he added
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