Wrong to call residents of Sao Jacinto ‘anti-nationals’: Jose Philip D’Souza

Panaji, Aug 15 (UNI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Goa unit President Jose Philip D’Souza has said that the residents of Sao Jacinto island prevented the Navy officials from hoisting the national flag on Friday as there was fear and anxiety in their mind that a permanent pole would be erected and their land would be ‘captured’.
Speaking to UNI over the phone, he said,”Navy officials came and started digging to erect a pole. This created the impression in the minds of the locals that there would be a permanent structure. However, once the Navy officials explained, the issue was sorted out and the lag was hoisted. Even locals also participated in the event.”
The former state minister, criticised Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for calling him and the locals ‘anti nationals’ and said the Chief Minister should have spoken to him (Mr D’Souza) or the locals before making such a statement.
”The Chief Minister calls us anti-nationals. We are afraid of losing our precious lands. He should have made a call or inquired into the issue before making such a statement. The fact is that local politician and State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho is jealous,” Mr D’Souza alleged.
The NCP leader claimed that earlier incidents had occurred where lands had been captured and locals had to seek permission to visit places where their forefathers used to stay.
Last Friday, Navy had to cancel its plan to hoist the national flag at Sao Jacinto island as it faced protest from the locals. However, the issue was sorted out on Saturday and the tri-colour was hoisted. Locals also participated in the event.
He said it was unfortunate that a genuine concern of the people was given political colour.
”After a slight misunderstanding yesterday (13 Aug 21), a team from Goa Naval Area and residents amicably participated in National Flag hoisting at St Jacinto island. The Flag hoisting was done at about 1445 hrs on 14 Aug 21. The residents also sang the National Anthem along with the Naval team during the event,” the Navy said in a statement.
”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,” the Chief Minister had tweeted.
However, on the day of the incident the Chief Minister had said,”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 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.