Goa CM's stern warning as locals stop Navy from unfurling national flag

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant requested naval authorities to go ahead with the flag hoisting programme as scheduled and gave a stern warning to  Sao Jacinto islanders that any "anti-India activities" would be dealt with an "iron fist". Chief Minister Sawant said it was "unfortunate and shameful" that some people on the island were objecting to the hoisting of the flag, and added that his government would not tolerate such "anti-India" 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.2/2

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) August 13, 2021

As a part of the nationwide 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' programme to commemorate 75 years of Independence, the Ministry of Defence has planned unfurling of the national flag on islands across the nation between August 13 and 15. A spokesperson of the navy's INS Hansa base in Goa said on Friday that 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 Sao Jacinto island had to be cancelled as the same was objected to by the residents," the navy spokesperson said. Sao Jacinto island is located near Vasco town in South Goa district.