PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday blew hot and then cold in reaction to Friday's developments at St Jacinto island where resistance from locals had forced Naval authorities to abandon a flag-hoisting event, calling the activity "anti-India" and warning it will be dealt with an "iron fist" on Saturday morning and by evening expressing relief after locals had joined the Navy in hoisting the flag.
Sawant said on the sidelines of a function on Saturday morning that he has issued instructions to the police and also given the Indian Navy the nod to go ahead and organise the flag hoisting at the St Jacinto island as part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' programme being observed by the Defence Ministry across the nation.
Hours after Sawant's reaction on Saturday, the flag hoisting ceremony was eventually held by the Naval authorities on the island jointly with the locals. The Navy also described Friday's turn of events as a mere "misunderstanding".
Sawant had also taken to Twitter to condemn the incident and warn of stern action.
"It is unfortunate and shameful that some individuals at St Jacinto Island have objected to the 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," Sawant tweeted.
"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'," Sawant further said in another tweet.
Sawant's strong reaction to Friday's incident, meanwhile, stoked a controversy with condemnation from several quarters that his statement branding the St Jacinto islanders "anti-India" as an overreaction in light of they enthusiastically joining Naval officials in hoisting the flag on Saturday afternoon.
The Naval authorities also called the events of Friday where they had to abandon the flag hoisting due to resistance from local residents as a "slight misunderstanding" even as locals admitted they were misled to think that it was a prelude to their island being taken over.
Later on Saturday evening, Sawant took to Instagram to post a picture of the flag-hoisting ceremony on the island and appreciate the participation by locals.
"Heartening to see locals of St Jacinto Island joining the Indian Navy in hoisting the Indian flag. I am glad, better sense prevailed. #JaiHind #NationFirst," the chief ministers Instagram post said.
