Panaji, July 18 (IANS) Unable to solve the mystery behind increasing incidents of desecration of religious shrines in the state, the police here have recommended setting up of a militia to tackle the communally sensitive issue.
Superintendent of Police Tony Fernandes told IANS that 141 people had already been short-listed for the formation of the Nagrik Suraksha Dal (NSD), which would guard the religious structures located in the state’s remote regions.

“The proposal has almost been cleared by the state government. The NSD members will be trained in basic policing techniques and self protection at the police training school in Valpoi for a couple of months before being put into action,” Fernandes said, adding that each member would be paid an allowance of Rs.200 per day.

Over the last two years, more than 30 instances of desecration of religious structures and thefts at places of religious interest had forced the state government to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising of Crime Branch personnel to get to the bottom of the matter.

Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had gone on record saying that there was a greater design behind the desecrations. Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar had alleged that the Indian Mujahideen were trying to create communal tension in Goa through the acts. However, nearly six months and one much-criticised arrest later, the SIT has nothing much to show.

Fernandes claims that the NSD, comprising of volunteers who live in the proximity of religious structures, could help curb the crime.

“We want to involve local people from the same village for the protection of the religious structures and sites which are dear to them. They know the lay of the land and they would know if anyone suspicious is prowling about,” he said, adding that nearly 100 more people would be recruited for the NSD soon.

“We have to raise the force. The state government will foot the bill,” he said.

Repeated instances of desecration had triggered communal tension in the mining town of Curchorem in April this year, while right wing Hindu groups had called for a statewide shutdown in October 2008.