Parliament today paid tributes to the valiant freedom fighters and soldiers who laid down their lives during liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu from Portuguese rule 50 years ago.
"It was on December 19, 1961 that the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Vijay and liberated Goa, Daman and Diu from the shackles of Portuguese rule," Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said.
In Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari extended felicitations on his behalf and that of the entire House to the people of Goa on the occasion.
Ansari also paid tribute to Tristao deBraganza Cunha who is considered as the "Father of Goa's liberation movement".
In the Lok Sabha, members from Goa Francisco Sardinha (Cong) and Shripad Naik (BJP) recalled the contribution of Cunha, whose portrait was unveiled in Parliament.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee recalled the contribution of the then Lok Sabha members Prof Sardeshpande and Tridib Chowdhury who were jailed during the Goa liberation.
Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj raised the issue of pension for nine freedom fighters from Jammu and Kashmir who took part in Goa liberation. She said eight of these freedom fighters were still alive and had not received pension.
Swaraj requested Mukherjee ensure that their contribution in liberation of Goa gets recognition while they are alive.
NDA Convenor Sharad Yadav objected to Mukherjee not mentioning the contribution of socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia made to the Goa liberation.
"It is wrong to distort history (itihaas main kaatna, chaatna theek nahi hai)," he said.
