VASCO
Faced with strong opposition from locals, the Navy has cancelled its proposed flag hoisting ceremony on St Jacinto Island.
In a press release, the Navy stated that as part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate 75 years of Independence, Ministry of Defence had planned to unfurl the National Flag in Islands across the nation between August 13 and 15.
"A team from Goa Naval Area visited 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 instill a sense of patriotism and celebrate the run up to the 75th year of independence,” the Navy stated.
Earlier, residents of St Jacinto Island gathered in large number to oppose the Navy’s plan to celebrate Independence Day and to hoist a flag on the island.
Residents told reporters that some Naval officers had arrived with shovels and other equipment on the island on Thursday evening.
“They were confronted by women on the island regarding the purpose of their visit. The Naval officers said they wanted to celebrate Independence day on our island and even hoist a flag,” said a resident.
“Most of our men were at work and when we informed them, they decided to oppose the plan and gather in large numbers to agitate.”
“We are already stressed out with news that our island is has been included in MPT’s jurisdiction and now, the Navy has come to our island. What if they want to capture or acquire our island and this becomes a starting step for the acquisition. The Navy has its own premises and why should they come to our island," asked the resident
NCP State President Jose Philip D'Souza, who was also present at the site and also has relatives residing on the island, said the locals are not against Independence Day, but said authorities must not try test the anger of the people.
“The villagers have ensured that not one room is given on rent nor have they ever sold any bit of land to other Goans or outsiders.”
"The Navy has already taken over the Bat Island and today, our fishermen’s tradition of celebrating a litany at the island requires their permission. Now, it appears that the Navy wants to take over this island and we will oppose it tooth and nail,” said D’Souza.
Convenor of Goa against Coal Custodio D’Souza, who also has an ancestral house in St Jacinto Island, sought to know why the Navy wanted to hoist the flag on St Jacinto Island.
“If the Navy wants, we villagers are willing to hoist the flag ourselves, but we will not allow others to stage independence day celebration here" said D’Souza.
