Azad Gomantak Dal

Following the suppression of peaceful protests against Portuguese rule, a faction of freedom fighters opted for an armed struggle, leading to the establishment of the AGD.^[1][3][4] The AGD thus broke away from the peaceful National Congress Goa (NCG) in June 1947, at a meeting held at the Shantadurga temple in Cuncoliem. With loaded pistols, the Dal recited their oath:^[5]

With an invocation to God and salute to the weapon held in my hand, I do, hereby, take the oath and solemnly declare that I fully accept the primary objective of a speedy deliverance of Indian land from the Portuguese occupation. I am aware of the perils and obstacles in the path towards Goa's freedom, and I shall extend myself to the utmost, unwaveringly, to achieve our ultimate aim.

The AGD believed that armed resistance was necessary to overthrow Portuguese rule, differentiating itself from non-violent movements advocating for Goa’s independence. The group carried out guerrilla-style attacks against Portuguese military and administrative targets. The group was instrumental in various operations that undermined Portuguese authority in Goa.^[1][4]

The AGD established a structured training system to prepare its volunteers. By August 1956, the organization had approximately 240 trained fighters stationed across Goa and Daman.^[2]

Training camps were conducted under the supervision of experienced military officers, including Captain D.G. Gole from Poona and Colonel Sher Jang Chaudhary from Delhi. The primary organizers were Prabhakar Vitthal Sinari (assigned to the North) and Prabhakar Trivikram Vaidya (assigned to the South). Specialized training in weaponry and explosives was provided in the forests of Sattari (Morle and Krishnapur) and Sanguem (Dudhsagar and Mollem), as well as in the regions of Ambali, Vajre, Kudal, and Parghat.^[2]

Volunteers were also provided with ideological instruction on subjects such as the history of the Indian and Goan liberation movements and socialism. These lectures were delivered by Shyamrao Lad, Jhotiko P.D. Souza, and Mahabaleshwar Naik.^[2]

To maintain coordination between units, the organization established communication centers in various locations, including Aronde, Satarda, Banda, Terekhol, Kankumbi, and Castlerock. These centers were managed by a network of activists including Tony Fernandes, Krishnarao Rane, and several others.^[2]

AGD members carried out several attacks against Portuguese installations. Among their significant operations was an attempt in July 1947 to seize the Fazenda (Portuguese treasury) in Mapusa. The organization also played a crucial role in the 1954 Liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, contributing to the takeover of the enclave from Portuguese control.^[3]

On 31 July 1954, volunteers of the AGD, accompanied by some volunteers of Jana Sangh, made their way into Nagar Haveli and liberated Nairoli. On 2 August, AGD volunteers captured 155 Portuguese soldiers, freed Silvassa and hoisted the Indian flag there. On 11 August, AGD volunteers captured Khandel, ending the Liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.^[6]

On 18 February 1955, Bala Raya Mapari from Assonora was tortured to death while imprisoned at the Mapusa police station. A member of the AGD, he is considered as the first martyr of the later phase of the freedom struggle.^[7]

During the period leading up to Operation Vijay, AGD fighters engaged in skirmishes with Portuguese forces and facilitated Indian intelligence efforts in the region. Despite their contributions, the AGD's role was downplayed in official accounts following Goa’s integration into India.^[8]

Between January and May 1955, the AGD executed several raids on police stations and military outposts to seize weapons and ammunition. Notable operations included:^[2]