Christian and Muslim graves desecrated by vandals in Goa

Three burial grounds have been desecrated by vandals in Goa, coming just days after the BJP government came to power in the state.

According to sources, more than 100 tombstones of Christians and Muslims were vandalised in Curchorem on Sunday.

While 40 tombstones at the cemetery of the Guardian Angel church in Curchorem had been smashed early Sunday morning, 67 tombstones at the local 'kabrastan' had also been damaged, police inspector Tushar Lotlikar told IANS.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said it was an attempt to defame the newly-elected BJP government.

He told press that the provocation had occurred in constituencies where Catholic MLAs had been elected.

"I will make it sure that the culprits remain behind bars forever. If required, I will invoke stringent NSA against them," Parrikar was quoted saying.

Parrikar said he has directed police to use all resources for investigation. "We will use all power of the law on such people who try to damage the feelings of the people by damaging any religious structure," he said.

The government has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information that could lead to the arrests of those responsible.

The Church meanwhile expressed "pain and distress" at the vandalism and called for restraint from the aggrieved communities.

The diocesan centre for social communication media said "that there could be people who could resort to such dastardly and cowardly acts to vent their feelings is beyond understanding."

"The Church also manifests her solidarity with the aggrieved local communities and shares in the pain and injustice caused by this unwarranted profanation of the resting places of their dear and near ones," a statement read.

It said the "places of final disposal of bodies are next only to houses of worship, demanding utmost respect and veneration."

The BJP staked claim to form the government on March 6 after it defeated the Congress-NCP in the assembly polls.