Operation Vijay 1961 | Indian Army | Indian Defence Forces
On December 18, 1961, Operation Vijay was put into
action. Indian troops crossed the border into Goa. There was sustained land,
sea and air strikes for more than 36 hours, resulting in the unconditional
surrender of Portuguese forces on December 19.
Why was it that even in 1961, almost 14
years after Independence, India had to fight the Portuguese for Goa?
As you all know, Goa is a small state on
the western coast of India. Despite its size it was a major trade centre and
had been attracting seafarers, merchants and traders for a long time.
Because of its prime location, Goa also
attracted influential dynasties like the Mauryas, the Shatavahanas, the Bhojas
and so on.
In 1350 AD, Goa was conquered by the
Bahmani Sultanate. But, in 1370, the Vijayanagar empire re-conquered the area.
They held on to it for almost a century. In 1469, the Bahmani Sultanate
conquered it again.
Enter Portugal
There was more change awaiting Goa. In
1510, Portguese admiral Afonso de Albuquerque attacked Goa. But Ismail Adil
Shah, the ruler at that time, was able to defeat him. Undaunted, Albuqueque
returned with a reinforced fleet and took possession.
With Goa under him, Albuquerque agreed to
lower yearly dues and taxes. The first Portuguese mint in the East was set up.
He left most of the customs and constitutions of the 30 villages untouched,
abolishing only sati. Goa’s senate or municipal chamber maintained direct
contact with the king of Portugal.
Although Goa flourished in the early years
of the Portuguese conquest, the 1600s saw a gradual decline. During the Second
World War, Goa remained neutral, like Portugal.
In 1947, India became Independent and all
states had acceded to the union, but Goa continued to remain under the control
of Portugal. The then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru insisted that Goa and a
few other minor Portuguese holdings be turned over to India, but Portugal
refused.
In 1954, unarmed Indians took over the
land-locked enclaves of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, that lie between Gujarat and
Maharatra. Portugal reported this to the International Court of Justice at The
Hague. The final judgement given in 1960 held that Portugal had the right to
the enclaves! But, they also stated that India had a right to deny Portugal
access to the enclaves over Indian Territory.
On September 1, 1955, the Indian consulate
in Goa was closed. Nehru said that his government would not tolerate the
Portuguese presence in Goa. India instituted a blockade against Goa, Daman and
Diu, to force the Portuguese out.
In the mean time, there were also numerous
representations to the Portuguese Salazar regime and attempts to highlight the
issue before the international community.
But, as the status quo was maintained, on
December 18, 1961 the Indian Military invaded Goa, Daman and Diu, amidst
Portuguese resistance. It was called “Operation Vijay”. The Portuguese armed
forces had been instructed to either defeat the enemy or die. Hence, though a
cease-fire had been declared, no official truce was signed.
The Portuguese army offered a feeble
resistance, as they lacked heavy weapons, and fielding 3,300 soldiers in front
of a heavily armed Indian force of over 30,000 troops was impossible.
India formally annexed the territories, and
Portugal’s control of its colonies ended in 1961.
Comments
Post a Comment