Though India became independent in 1947 and a sovereign republic nation in 1950, Goa and Dadra-Nagar Haveli, Diu and Daman were still under Portuguese control in 1950. For the Portuguese Goa was a symbol of prestige so they did not want to cede these colonies to India. On 15th August, 1955, 3000 to 5000 unarmed activists (Satyagrahis) tried to enter Goa, Diu and Daman at six locations and were violently repulsed by Portuguese police officers.
Around 200 Satyagrahis died in the clashes with the authority. All negotiations and Satyagraha failed. So the Indian Government decided to take more radical steps. The Indian Government launched ‘Operation Vijay’ to free Goa. This military operation started at midnight of 17th, 18th December, 1961 under the leadership of General Chaudhary and was done by noon the next day. The Indians won Goa, Diu and Daman and hoisted the national flag.
