The correct answer is: A. 16th December, 1961
Operation Vijay was the code name for the Indian military campaign that led to the annexation of Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portugal in 1961. The operation began on December 16, 1961, and was completed on December 19, 1961, with the surrender of the Portuguese forces.
The operation was launched after months of diplomatic negotiations between India and Portugal failed to resolve the issue of Portuguese rule over the Indian territories. The Indian government argued that the Portuguese presence in Goa, Daman, and Diu was illegal and that the territories were an integral part of India. The Portuguese government, on the other hand, refused to relinquish its claim to the territories.
The Indian military forces were successful in capturing Goa, Daman, and Diu with minimal casualties. The Portuguese forces were outnumbered and outgunned, and they were quickly overwhelmed by the Indian troops. The operation was a major victory for India, and it led to the end of Portuguese rule in the Indian subcontinent.
The annexation of Goa, Daman, and Diu was controversial at the time, and it remains a sensitive issue in Portugal-India relations. However, the operation is widely seen as a triumph of Indian nationalism, and it is celebrated as a national holiday in India.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option A: Operation Vijay was started on December 16, 1961. This is the correct answer.
- Option B: Operation Vijay was started on December 17, 1961. This is incorrect. Operation Vijay was started on December 16, 1961.
- Option C: Operation Vijay was started on December 18, 1961. This is incorrect. Operation Vijay was started on December 16, 1961.
- Option D: Operation Vijay was started on December 19, 1961. This is incorrect. Operation Vijay was started on December 16, 1961.