Lives of many freedom fighters could have been saved if Goa was liberated in 1947: Sawant

Panaji, Jun 18 (PTI) Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday said the lives of many freedom fighters who fought for the liberation of Goa would have been saved if the state was freed from the Portuguese-rule in 1947 when India gained independence.

Speaking on the occasion of Goa Revolution Day, Sawant said that the stae was liberated 14 years after India became independent.

The Goa Revolution, which is being commemorated annually on June 18, has special significance for Goans as it was on this day in 1946 that the Goans staged an open but peaceful revolt against the atrocities perpetrated on them by the Portuguese colonial regime.

"There was a delay in liberating Goa from Portuguese rule. If it was liberated along with Bharat, we would have saved the lives of many freedom fighters," CM Sawant said, apparently targeting the opposition Congress.

Had Goa been liberated at that time, it would have witnessed development much earlier, he said.

The representatives of Freedom Fighters' Association, including its president Rohidas Desai, were present at the event.

Before the function, Sawant along with Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai and freedom fighters laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs' Memorial at Azad Maidan in Panaji.

Addressing the gathering, Sawant said that the government can enact laws, but following them is the duty of every citizen.

"It is the responsibility of every citizen to abide by the laws," he said.

The CM also appealed to people to contribute towards keeping the state green and clean. PTI RPS NP