FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Team Herald/ PTI
PANJIM: In remarks that have stirred up adverse reactions from a cross-section of Goans, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said “When the Portuguese came here, Goa was a rich territory. But during their 400 years of rule, they looted the region," he said.“While the country was enjoying freedom, our freedom fighters were still in this prison. Even after Goa's liberation struggle, some freedom fighters continued to languish in Portuguese prisons for 7-8years," the Chief Minister said. This immediately brought in its wake strong reactions from people, across Goa as soon as the story started popping up on social media. Reactions ranged from “Portuguese did not loot anything. At that time there was law and order” to “illegal mining is a result of our present condition and the 35,000 crore mining loot should be first recovered”
Meanwhile, the CM said that the iconic Aguada Jail, now turned into a museum, would be open to the public from September 1 onwards, “The museum will narrate the history of this jail, which is located at the foot of the fort. During the entire year, the students will be allowed to see the museum free of cost,” Sawant said after unfurling the national flag at the historic Aguada Jail as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav being celebrated to commemorate 75 years of India's Independence. On the occasion, he felicitated five freedom fighters who fought for the liberation of the State.
