Goa marks Chieftains Martyrs Day in Delhi

NEW DELHI: A delegation led by Union minister Shripad Naik paid homage at the National War Memorial, as Goa on Friday observed the Chieftains Martyrs Day, which marks the first revolt against the Portuguese rule. It will now be an annual event to be observed in the national capital.
The delegation also paid homage to second lieutenant Jayendra Jaisingh Rane, a native of Goa who laid down his life during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, and Lt NA Mayekar of 11th Sikh regiment who laid down his life in 2000. The names of both these soldiers are inscribed on the Roll of Honour at the National War Memorial.
The Naik-led delegation included Rohidas Desai, a freedom fighter, Sanjay Naik, Naguesh Sardesai, Santosh Malik, Ashok Naik, and officials of state government.
The Central government has asked the states to mark one day of the year for paying tributes at the National War Memorial, and Goa has decided to pay respects to martyrs on July 15 to mark the first liberation struggle against the Portuguese rule in the State.