MARGAO: Citizens who had submitted a memorandum to the government, asking that Goans be allowed to visit Anjediva Island to celebrate the feast Mass of Our Lady of Springs (also known as Nossa Senhora de Brotas) in February, are disheartened as they have not received any response and fear that they will be deprived of the opportunity this time too.
Located off the coast of Canacona, the island is occupied by the Navy and has been out of bounds for devotees who seek to celebrate the feasts of Our Lady of Springs in February and St Francis de Assisi in October. It may be recalled that the Navy has consistently denied citizens entry to the island for security reasons. The island was handed over to the Navy in the past for the Seabird Project.
Goyche Fudle Pilge Khatir (GFPK) had also written to the Navy but were asked to run from pillar to post, and till date, they have not received any response regarding their demands.
The GFPK team had even traveled recently to the Navy headquarters in Karnataka. They had requested access to the Anjediva island by people of Goa on two days of the year – February 2 (Feast of Our Lady of Springs) and October 4 (Feast of St Francis of Assisi) – and had pointed out that both these feasts were celebrated on Anjediva island Churches before the Navy takeover.
GFPK had made similar demands in the memorandums that they had submitted to the Governor of Goa, Chief Minister, Revenue Minister, Chief Secretary, and Revenue Secretary.
“We express our strong disapproval of blocking customary prayer rights on Anjediva island Church and Chapel and call for the reversal of the Naval authorities blocking access to the people of Goa to the island,” said GFPK President Jack Mascarenhas in the memorandum. “The historical connection of the people of Goa with the Anjediva Island is multi-dimensional and of paramount significance that is sought to be severed under active connivance from the Goa Revenue Department by letting the Indian Navy block access to the island,” Mascarenhas added
