Francis is right in saying that the young girl was beautiful. I don't remember
how old she was and, I think, her name was Laura.
The grenade landed between her legs and the young girl's flesh had stuck to the
walls. During the military investigation, it was learnt that the grenade had
not gone off fully because the pin was not fully detached. As the jawans were
going around the house, the ruffling noise woke up the mother. I think she
switched on the light. As the jawans scurred away, they threw the grenade.
Unfortunately, the girl perished but the rest of the family was saved.
One of the jawans' shoe was found at the site and that led to their arrests.
The jawans were court-marshalled and punished.
After a long fight for justice, compensation was paid. The case went to Nehru,
helped by my uncle (dad's cousin) and noted freedom fighter
Konknni/English/Portuguese journalist Felix Valois Rodrigues who worked for The
Indian Express in New Delhi. I do not know how much money was given to the
family but, as expected, it wasn't much.
This first incident caused lot of heartburning among Goans, particularly those
who were pro-Portuguese. It gave them a chance to say that is a pointer to what
Goa will be under Indian rule.
The reason for this incident was over a pack of cigarettes. The jawans demanded
foreign cigarettes from the grocery owner. He said he does not have any and it
started an argument that led to a threat. Some say that Manuel Santana did not
want to sell to the jawans as he was against the Indians taking over Goa. He
was known to be an adamant and short-tempered person. He paid a heavy price.
I am not sure but I seem to have a feeling that the incident is briefly
mentioned in Lino Leitao's book, The Gift of the Holy Cross. I do not have the
copy but those who have can check it. Maybe, the incident is also mentioned in
some of the books dealing with Goa's liberation. Since I read many books on the
liberaion many years ago, I cannot remember if it is mentioned.
Eugene
