Hindus to expose Portuguese atrocities carried out through ‘Inquisition’ : Mr Ramesh Shinde, HJS

Goa has witnessed one of the most brutal genocides in the history of mankind – the Inquisition of Goa. While the world knows about the Spanish Inquisition, hardly anything is known about the Goan Inquisition. Goa was liberated on 19th December 1961 after 451 years of the barbaric and tyrannical Portuguese rule.

The Hindus who refused to convert to Christianity or those found ‘guilty’ of secretly practising Hindu Dharma despite converting were punished in the cruellest manner possible. It is heartbreaking that this Inquisition has no place in Indian history books, nor is it openly discussed.

It is a historical truth that the whole of Konkan, along with Goa, is the land of Bhagawan Parashuram. The land of Goa existed even before Christianity came into being. Yet, it is claimed that Goa is the land of Vasco and Xavier, and they are glorified accordingly. The same Xavier was responsible for the ‘Inquisition’ in Goa. One important witness to the persecution of Hindus in Goa through the Inquisition is the ‘Haat Kataro’ pillar. The same pillar was used for tying Hindus and chopping off their hands. This pillar, located in old Goa, is in a dilapidated condition. Attempts are being made by the Government and Archaeology Department to hide this history. Countries such as Spain, Russia preserve proof of inquisition and relics in museums. However, the history of oppression by the Portuguese is being covered up. Hindus are now waking up, and we will not rest till we expose the atrocities wrought by the Portuguese against Hindus”, said Mr Ramesh Shinde (National Spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti [HJS]) in a Special Online Programme organised by HJS on ‘Goa Files : Atrocities during the Inquisition’.

A video on the nature of the ‘Inquisition’ was also shown. Mr Neeraj Atri (President of ‘National Historical Research and Comparative Study Centre’) talked of the atrocities against different peoples in the whole world with pictorial and historical references. An exhibition of pictorial boards prepared by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum of Indian History, Pune, and published by HJS based on the ‘Inquisition’ was also shown Online.

“Francis Xavier, responsible for Hindus’ Inquisition in Goa and who led in oppressing Hindus in Goa, is being portrayed as a Saint. The atrocities against Hindus that have been kept under wraps must be exposed and patriotism awakened in them, which is the aim of this programme”, said Mr Jayesh Thali (Secretary of ‘Gomantak Mandir Mahasangh’).

Mr Chetan Rajhans (National Spokesperson of Sanatan Sanstha) said that St Xavier was being glorified to nurture the vote bank in Goa and attempts are being made to create empathy in people towards the Portuguese. “The history of the inhumane oppression carried out by the Portuguese is not taught in school textbooks. The Pope went to different countries seeking pardon for Inquisitions carried out in different parts of the world, but he has not yet apologised to the Goans. All Hindu citizens living in various parts of the country, including Goa, should demand that the Pope apologise for the Inquisition in Goa”, Mr Rajhans added.

Mapusa (Goa) – “The people of Gomantak should now know the true history of Goa. The location of the Inquisition House in Old Goa should be ascertained. Unfortunately, such structures are being declared ‘protected structures’ today. The ‘Haat Kataro Khamb’ in Old Goa is completely neglected. This Khamb is still standing because of the agitations that Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and likeminded organisations have carried on”, asserted Mr Jayesh Thali.

Important resolutions were passed at this time to implement anti-Conversion law in Goa, to include the history of Inquisition in school textbooks, to protect the Haat Kataro Khamb and have a plaque with its history installed.

Mr Ramesh Naik (Former Chief of Shiv Sena, Goa) said, “Many Hindus attend the ‘Fest’ in Old Goa on 3^rd December. Today, an exhibition like ‘Goa Files’ is needed to awaken self-respect in Hindus by teaching them correct history”. He also said that Five Pillars Church Pastor Dominic should be held accountable and severely punished for all his wrongdoings.

Hindus are now waking up and will not rest till the atrocities wrought by the Portuguese against them are exposed !