Why is it in the News?

Goa Liberation Day is commemorated annually on December 19. In 2023, we observe the 62nd anniversary of the liberation of Goa.

Key Highlights:

• This day commemorates the liberation of Goa in 1961 by the Indian armed forces, ending 450 years of Portuguese rule.
  • Portuguese colonization in India began in 1510, but by the late 19th century, their colonies were limited to Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli, and Anjediva Island.
• After India's independence in 1947, attempts to persuade Portugal to cede their territories were unsuccessful.
• The Goa liberation movement gained momentum from small-scale revolts, peaking between 1940 and 1960.
• In 1961, diplomatic efforts failed and Operation Vijay was executed, leading to the annexation of Daman, Diu, and Goa to the Indian mainland on December 19.

About Operation Vijay:

• Operation Vijay, a 36-hour military initiative initiated on December 18, 1961, and concluded on December 19, 1961, aimed at liberating the Portuguese territories of Goa, Daman, and Diu.
• This marked a significant milestone as possibly the first tri-service operation by the Indian armed forces.
• The Indian Air Force executed bombings on the Portuguese airbase at Dabolim, complementing the army's advancement from the north and east into Goa.
• Simultaneously, the Indian Navy played a crucial role in preventing hostile actions by Portuguese warships, securing access to Mormugao harbor, and establishing control over the Anjadip Island off the coast of Karwar.
• By the evening of December 19, 1961, Portuguese Governor General Vassalo De Silva signed the surrender document as the Indian armed forces, led by the army with support from the air force and navy, had effectively outnumbered and outgunned the Portuguese forces.

Granting Statehood to Goa after Liberation:

• Following its liberation, Goa came under the administration of the Indian government, becoming a constituent of the Indian Union as the Union Territory of Goa, Daman, and Diu.
  • However, in 1967, a plebiscite was conducted to decide on the potential merger of the state with Maharashtra.
  • The majority of Goans voted against the merger, leading to the continuation of its status as a Union Territory.
• This arrangement persisted until 1987 when Goa was accorded statehood, emerging as the 25th state of India.
• Meanwhile, Daman and Diu retained their status as a Union Territory.