In an act disrespecting the sovereignty of India, the people of Sao Jacinto islands in South Goa have decided to oppose the flag hoisting ceremony conducted by Indian Navy on the island. Unfortunately, the Indian Navy has decided that it will not hoist the tricolour on the island consisting of 200 families.
In a statement, Indian Navy said- ‘’ As part of ‘Azadika Amrit Mahotsav ‘ to commemorate 75 years of Independence, Ministry of Defence has planned unfurling of National Flag in islands across the nation between 13 and 15 August, 2021. A team from Goa Naval Area arrived islands of Goa including Sao Jacinto Island as part of this pan India initiative. However, the plan at the Jacinto Island had to be cancelled as the same was objected to by the residents. This initiative was taken nationwide to instill a sense of patriotism and celebrate the run up to the 75th year of Independence.’’
Anthony Rodrigues, the owner of the land where the flag hoisting ceremony by the Navy was about to take place told that he had agreed for the hoisting of the tricolour by Naval officers but it was the apprehensions expressed by other residents of the local area which has led to this controversial withdrawal by the Indian Navy.
According to Anthony, the residents of the area will not mind if the flag hoisting ceremony was conducted by the residents and Indian Navy decides to join the islanders, but Indian Navy coming to hoist the tricolour by the virtue of being an organizer of the event is a big no for the locals. He explained that the islanders are concerned that Central Government might take over their island under the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 in future.
Chief minister Pramod Sawant issued a warning to residents of Jacinto Island and extended his full support to the Indian Navy on twitter terming the incident as unfortunate and shameful. He also condemned it and said that such act won’t be tolerated.
At the time the nation should be coming together in celebrating their independence from the colonial British Raj and pay homage to the uncountable soldiers and freedom fighters who died fighting for freedom as well as those who died for the sake of saving territorial sovereignty of India.
It is one of the most unfortunate incidents that the men and women who are risking their lives every second are not allowed to hoist the Indian tricolour. It’s a condemnable act and strict action is required so that the honor of the tricolour would not be compromised in future.
As per the latest update Indian navy finally unfurled the the tricolour there in the presence of some residents on the eve of the 75th Independence Day.
