Goa CM warns islanders opposing flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day

Sao Jacinto island is located nearly four kms away from INS Hansa base and  some 100 families reside there.

Anthony Rodrigues, who owns the land, said he had already given his permission to the naval officials for the programme, but some local residents approached him, asking why allowed the place for flag hoisting, reported NDTV.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the tricolour would be hoisted at the island "at any cost" and assured that the Goa police would provide all necessary cooperation for the event.

However, the residents have said they had no objection to hoisting of the flag  but were worried that the navy's function could be the start of the central government taking over the island under the Major Ports Authorities Bill, 2020 in future, according to the NDTV report.

As part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate 75 years of India's Independence, the Ministry of Defence planned unfurling of the national flag on islands across the nation between August 13 and 15.

One of the residents of the island has said that the islanders were afraid that the island would go under the control of Mormugao Port Trust, the report added.

Reacting to the announcement by navy of cancelling the flag hoisting programme, Cm Swant tweeted, "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 any such acts."

"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," he added.