Goa Catholics upset over deputy CM's comment

Panaji, July 31: Catholics living in Goa can be called Indian Christians but not Hindu Christians, the Catholic Association of Goa said on Thursday criticizing Deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza's comments.

"We, their heirs (of Hindu ancestors) are now Christians. We can be surely called 'Indian Christians'. When one does not know what one is talking about, then it is better to remain silent. In this way we can at least conceal our ignorance," the association's spokesperson Brig. (retired) Ian da Costa said in a statement here.

D'Souza, while defending his cabinet colleague Deepak Dhavalikar's comments about making India a 'Hindu nation' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said: "India is a Hindu country. India is Hindustan. All Indians in Hindustan are Hindus including me. I am a Christian Hindu."

D'Souza apologised Monday for his comments following a national outcry which he triggered, but the association is unhappy with his apology.

"He has added insult to injury by saying in his so-called apology that, 'I apologise, if I have hurt some ones feelings'," said the statement.

"We have all heard of a mule, a tigon, an anglo Indian and a Mulato, but we have never heard of a Hindu-Christian. One is either a Hindu or a Christian," Ian da Costa said.

Catholics account for more than 26 percent of Goa's population.

IANS