A controversial Konkani play against communalism was performed here Saturday under police protection, following off-stage drama involving alleged death threats, police complaints and attempts to get a stay on the performance by a right wing Hindu group.
The play 'Atankvadi Goeant Naka' (Goa doesn't need terrorists) directed by Tousif de Navelim had created a controversy here, following threats to Navelim allegedly by members of a Hindu organisation Sri Rama Sene (SRS).
The staging of the play at 5 pm Saturday before a full house was preceded by a day-long drama as a trial court in Margao, 35 kms from here, took up the plea filed by the Karnataka-based SRS seeking that Tousif be restrained from staging a public performance.
The court however reserved its judgment and did not issue a stay order, clearing the ground for the performance of the play.
According to Tousif, the play's script tackles the issue of communalism and its posters carry a photo of Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik.
"The state is slowly progressing towards Talibanisation due to the fascist forces mushrooming ever since the BJP government came to power at the centre. Tousif had filed the complaint and there is no action on the same which raises concern whether the saffron government in Goa is promoting such forces which are keen on destroying the peace and social harmony in the state," Congress spokesperson Durgadas Kamat told reporters here.
Tousif had complained to the police about alleged death threats he received Thursday over phone from callers claiming affiliation to right wing groups. On Friday, the SRS at a press conference, claimed that the play was an attempt to taint Muthalik.