Question

Why did India have to take military action against the Portuguese?

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question can be broken into 3 main parts:

1. Mention the reason for the conflict between the Portuguese people and the Indian government.
2. Mention the initiation of the people’s movement for the integration of Goa into India and the Portuguese response.
3. Describe the actions taken by the Indian government against the Portuguese.

Solution:

• The Portuguese retained their control over the territories of Goa, Daman, and Diu even after India gained independence and refused to cede these territories to the Indian government.
• People initiated a protest for the integration of Goa, Daman, and Diu to the Indian government. On 15 August 1955, around 3000 to 5000 people tried to enter the territory of Goa from 6 different points.
• The Portuguese repulsed the Indian activities which led to the death of around 200 people.
• The Indian government in response to the Portuguese brutality launched a military operation named Operation Vijay on 18 December 1961.
• Thus, the territories of Goa, Daman, and Diu were acquired by India.