Canacona, Goa : Tension gripped the town of Canacona in South Goa after Pakistani flags were found painted on public roads at multiple key locations early Friday morning. The flags, drawn using oil paint, were discovered near the KTC bus stand, Chaudi-Pansulem junction, and the road leading to Bhagatwada, reported the Times of India.
Morning walkers first spotted the symbols and promptly alerted authorities. The incident has triggered serious concerns among residents about attempts to disrupt communal harmony and incite unrest.
Ramesh Tawadkar, Goa Assembly Speaker and MLA from Canacona, filed a police complaint against unidentified individuals and urged law enforcement agencies to launch a thorough probe. He condemned the act as a calculated move to provoke communal discord and demanded immediate action.
Locals questioned the efficiency of night patrolling, pointing out that such an act could not have occurred unnoticed if security was adequate. “How did the culprits manage to paint flags at several places without being caught?” a resident asked.
Community leaders have appealed for calm while pressing police to act swiftly. Authorities have begun collecting CCTV footage from the vicinity and expressed confidence in identifying and arresting those behind the act soon.
State Congress vice-president Sunil Kawthankar also denounced the move, stating that if it was intended as a protest, it should have been done openly. “Every Indian should protest against Pakistan in a dignified and open manner,” he said.
As investigations continue, security has been tightened in the area to prevent any escalation of tensions.
