'Shameful, unfortunate': Goa CM on objections raised by residents to National Flag unfurling event by Indian Navy

Panaji, Aug 14: The Indian Navy cancelled the unfurling of the national flag on the Sao Jacinto island in South Goa after residents raised objections. This incident eventually erupted into controversy as the residents opposed the Navy's unfurling the National Flag.

 

In a statement issued Friday, the Navy said that as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate 75 years of Independence, the 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 visited the islands of Goa, including Sao Jacinto Island, as part of this pan India initiative. However, the plan at Jacinto Island had to be cancelled as the same was objected to by the residents. This initiative was taken nationwide to instil a sense of patriotism and celebrate the run-up to the 75th year of independence,” the Indian Navy said in its statement.

 

"After Public pressure, the Indian Navy on Friday backed down from conducting a flag hoisting ceremony on the St Jacinto island in South Goa, amid accusations from local villagers and politicians, who alleged a government plot for a takeover of the island," it added.

 

 

As part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate 75 years of Independence, the Ministry of Defence has planned the unfurling of the National Flag in Islands across the nation between 13 and 15 August. A team from Goa Naval Area visited the islands of Goa including the Sao Jacinto Island as part of the pan-India initiative to instil a sense of patriotism and celebrate the run-up to the 75th year of independence.

 

After the controversy erupted Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant announced that he has given the Indian Navy the go-ahead to continue with their original plan of hoisting the Indian flag on the Island. "It is unfortunate and shameful that some individuals at St Jacinto Island have objected to Hoisting of the National Flag by the Indian Navy on the occasion of India’s Independence Day. I condemn this and want to state on record that my Government will not tolerate such acts", said the Chief Minister.

 

CM Sawant further said, "I have requested the Indian Navy to go ahead with their original plan and have assured full cooperation from Goa Police. These attempts of Anti-India activities shall be dealt with an iron fist. It will always be Nation First".