Srinagar, May 30 -- Lok Bhavan Jammu Kashmir today hosted a special programme to mark the statehood day of Goa. The event was attended by the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, senior officials, invited guests from Goa who are living in Jammu Kashmir and artists.

The Lieutenant Governor said that between 1946 and 1961 many brave sons of Mother India laid down their lives in the struggle to liberate Goa. Hundreds were jailed and subjected to brutal hardships, yet the unity and courage of the freedom fighters kept the movement alive.

"Today I pay homage to Bala Raya Mapari of the Azad Gomantak Dal, the first martyr of Goa's freedom struggle. Great figures such as Luis de Menezes Braganca, Mohan Ranade, Tristao Braganza da Cunha, Purus...