PANAJI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Sunday that it would not have taken so long for Goa to be liberated from Portuguese rule had Sardar Patel lived longer. He said the delay in liberation meant several freedom fighters lost their lives.
“At least 31 satyagrahis lost their lives in 1955, including youngsters like Karnail Singh Banipal of Punjab. These freedom fighters were restless because a part of India was still under foreign rule. I want to say had Sardar Patel lived a bit longer, Goa would not have to wait for so long for its liberation.”
