Tensions rise in Goa's Canacona as Pakistani flags painted on roads

MARGAO: Tension gripped Canacona early Friday morning after Pakistani flags were found painted on roads at prominent locations, triggering concerns about potential attempts to disturb communal harmony. The flags, painted in oil paint, were found near the KTC bus stand, at the Chaudi-Pansulem junction, and along the road leading to Bhagatwada. Morning walkers first noticed the flags and promptly alerted authorities.
Goa assembly speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, who represents Canacona constituency, later filed a formal police complaint against unidentified persons. He requested the police to conduct a thorough investigation and nab the culprits.
Locals have called into question night patrolling by police in Canacona after what happened. “If the police were seriously patrolling the streets at night, how could those who painted the roads go unnoticed?” one said. Local community leaders have nevertheless appealed for calm while calling on police to swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible for what Tawadkar termed a serious “misdemeanor” aimed at creating social unrest.
Police sources said they were currently trying to collect CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the culprits and exuded confidence in nabbing them soon.
State Congress vice-president Sunil Kawthankar condemned the act, suggesting that if it was meant as a protest, it should have been conducted openly rather than under the cover of darkness. “The protest should have been held openly. Every Indian should protest in public against Pakistan,” he said.