The Church officials preparing for the annual feast of St. Francis Xavier in Old Goa have taken extra security measures this year in view of some increasing fanatic activities.

Officials of Bom Jesu Basilica, which houses the relics of the saint, said Church volunteers would issue identity cards to those who are spending nights in the basilica corridors during the novena, the nine day prayers, that begin Nov. 24.

The volunteers also would screen people and install security televisions for closely watching of people’s movement during the nine-day program that culminates on Dec. 3, the feat of St. Francis Xavier.

However, Father Savio Barreto, the rector of the basilica, said they faced no explicit security threats. “So far we have not come across any development more than the ordinary, but we are taking precaution,” he said.

Father Barreto said they would install eight closed circuit television cameras inside the shrine and issue identity cards to some 200 pilgrims staying in its premises for the novena and feast.

However, the security steps would ensure police do not harass people, he told UCA News.

On each day of the feast the Church authorities expect some 10,000 people visit the Basilica to pray to the saint. Officials have erected a tent outside the Basilica with a sitting capacity for 10,000.

Several television channels have reported the possibility of an Islamic fundamentalist group creating trouble for Goa during an 11-day International Film Festival of India, which opened on Nov. 23 in the state capital of Panaji.

However, state Home Minister Ravi Naik has allayed fears of security threat in the state. Goa normally attracts large number of people during its festive season that lasts until New Year.

According to news reports on Nov. 19, the federal Ministry of Home Affairs sounded a high alert and deputed a specialist team to assess the situation in Goa.

The federal government has sent some 400 additional paramilitary troopers to Goa to manage the film festival and the feast.

Superintendent of Police Atmaram Deshpande told reporters that the navy and the Coast Guard will manage deep sea patrolling while Goa police’s marine force will patrol peripheral waters.

Father Barreto said the Church has requested the government several times not to hold the film festival during the feast days because the two major events would dilute security arrangements.

He said the government has repeatedly promised to consider the matter, but the film festival continues to be held along with the novenas and the feast.

The priest said traditionally volunteers have managed the security within the shrine during the festival days. “Our volunteers are more experienced that the security personnel,” he added.

Goa experienced some bomb explosions recently. On Oct. 16, the eve of the Diwali festival of lights, a bomb went off killing two persons. Police said they believe a Hindu spiritual organization was behind the blast.

Two Muslims were acquitted Nov. 18 of the charges of planting a bomb at St. Andrew’s Church in the port town of Vasco da Gama. It exploded on June 8, 2000, damaging church windows. The prosecution claimed the blast was aimed at insulting Catholics, besides destroying the church building.

Source:  Security tightened for Xavier feast (Cathnews India)

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