People Join Indian Navy In Hoisting National Flag After Earlier Opposition

Indian Navy today hoisted the national flag at Sao Jacinto island in South Goa as a part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate 75 years of Independence. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed happiness that finally ‘better sense prevailed’ as the islanders joined the Navy in the flag hoisting ceremony. “Heartening to see locals of St Jacinto Island joining the Indian Navy in hoisting the Indian Flag. I am glad, better sense prevailed,” said Sawant sharing a picture of the event.

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 pic.twitter.com/i0wR97htXJ

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) August 14, 2021

The residents of Sao Jacinto had said that they were not opposed to the unfurling of the flag, but expressed apprehension that the Navy’s programme could be the beginning of the central government’s take over of the island under the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020.

Officials have said that the Ministry of Defence planned unfurling of the national flag on islands across the nation between August 13 and 15 as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ to commemorate 75 years of Independence. Sao Jacinto Island is located around four kms away from INS Hansa base and approximately 100 families reside there.