National flag hoisted at Jacinto Island as part of 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'

In a statement, the Navy said, ''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 August 21. The residents also sang the National Anthem along with the Naval team during the event.''

Earlier, the Navy had said that it had cancelled its plan to unfurl the national flag on Sao Jacinto in South Goa on Independence Day after local residents objected to it.

''As part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate 75 years of Independence, the Ministry of Defence has planned unfurling of National Flag in Islands across the nation between 13 and 15 Aug 21. 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 Jacinto Island had to be cancelled as the same was objected to by the residents. This initiative was taken nationwide to instill a sense of patriotism and celebrate the run up to the 75th year of independence,'' a statement from the Navy had said.

However, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant requested the naval authorities to go head with the national flag hoisting programme and warned the residents of the island that 'Anti-India activities shall be dealt with an iron fist.'

''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 tweeted.

However, later the locals participated in the function with the Indian Navy after the misunderstanding was eliminated.

"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," Sawant tweeted.