Context: Goa Liberation Day is observed on 19 December every year. The year 2023 marks the 62nd anniversary of liberation of Goa.

About Liberation of Goa from Portuguese Rule

• The day marks the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961 when the Indian Army successfully captured Goa through Operation Vijay, ending Portuguese rule.
• Goa’s liberation came 14  years after India gained Independence from the British.

History:

• Portuguese Control of Goa: In 1510, Goa came under Portuguese rule after Admiral Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the Sultan of Bijapur, Yusuf Adil Shah. 

Liberation of Goa: Timeline of the Freedom Movement

• Control over  Dadra and Nagar Haveli:  In July-August 1954, Indian activists peacefully took control of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This success inspired freedom fighters in Goa. 
• Rise of Goan Nationalism: Tristão de Bragança Cunha, known as the father of Goan nationalism, founded the Goa National Congress at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1928. 
  • In 1946, socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia led a historic rally in Goa that gave a call for civil liberties and freedom, and eventual integration of Goa with India.
• Firing at Anjadip Island: The spark was provided in November 1961, when the Portuguese contingent based at Anjadip island,  fired at the Indian merchant ship Sabarmati.
  • The Portuguese garrisons then started firing randomly at Indian fishing boats around South Goa and Karwar, which is now in the state of Karnataka. 
• Operation Chutney: Operation Chutney, the precursor to Operation Vijay, was launched  on December 1, 1961, by the Naval Headquarters to capture Anjadip.
  • Operation to Capture Anjadip:   Indian Navy ships Betwa and Beas were deployed on linear patrol off Goa, and the Mysore and Trishul carried out an amphibious landing operation with a platoon of 75 sailors. 
  • Indian Control over Anjadip: This led to a full-fledged gun and grenade battle between the Indian and Portuguese soldiers for control over Anjadip. The Portuguese were outmatched, and they surrendered.
• Operation Vijay:
  • Military Action by India: In 1961, the Portuguese fired at Indian fishing boats, killing one fisherman. 
  • Consequently, the Indian Armed Forces was authorized to liberate Goa and Daman and Diu by force.  Operation Vijay began on December 18, 1961, and ended on December 19, 1961.

Significance: The liberation of Goa marked the departure of the last colonial power from India. The Union of India was completed with Goa’s liberation on December 19, 1961.

Continue Reading: Goa Liberation Day 2023

News Source: PIB