Question

Write a note on the liberation movement in Goa.

Answer 1

The Goa liberation movement was a movement which sought to end the Portuguese colonial rule in Goa. The movement built on the small-scale revolts and uprisings of the 19th century and grew powerful during the period 1940-1961. After Britain and France left India, it was expected that Portugal would leave too. But Portugal refused. In the rest of India, people began demanding that Goa should be liberated forcibly. In 1955, a Satyagraha was launched by the communist and socialist parties for the freedom of Goa. When the Satyagrahis entered Goa, the Portuguese opened fire, killing 20 Indians. Nehru imposed an economic blockade but was not prepared to go further. He hoped that the popular movement in Goa and the pressure of world public opinion would force the hands of the Goan authorities. Finding that his policy of patience and adherence to international ethics had not yielded results, Nehru decided to free Goa by force. On 18 December 1961, after a long-drawn fight against Indian troops, the Portuguese gave up resistance. The Governor General of Goa, Vassalo e Silva, signed a document of unconditional surrender. And thus Goa was liberated.