ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for May 21, 2025

Rabindra Nagar Residents in LA Allege Illegal Sale and Misuse of Moorum; Demand Probe and Action

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Rabindranath Biswas
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 20: The residents of Rabindra Nagar, Little Andaman have raised the issue of illegal supply and misuse of Moorum/Gravel in the village.
According to information, the residents of Rabindra Nagar have recently written a formal letter to the Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Rabindra Nagar, Smti. Sanjeeta Biswas and submitted their grievance in regard to illegal supply and misuse of Moorum/Gravel in the village.
In the last three years, reportedly, the residents repeatedly requested the concerned authority for issuance of Moorum/Gravel for public usage. However, despite their continuous appeals to the concerned authority, no Moorum/Gravel was issued and hence the village hasn’t reportedly received any supply of Moorum/Gravel for developmental or community purposes, the villagers lamented.
Meanwhile, it has reportedly come to the notice of the villagers that some individuals of Rabindra Nagar are allegedly involved in the unauthorized sale of white Moorum/Gravel from their private land at inflated prices, and they also use this Moorum/Gravel in their mini-hollow block manufacturing units, the residents further alleged in the letter.
This act appears to be illegal and is believed to be carried out without proper authorization, the villagers alleged in the letter. Additionally, it is crucial to mention that due to excessive excavation on their land for gravel extraction, a large pit has reportedly formed, the villagers claimed. The residents in the area have reportedly urged that an official investigation be conducted to measure the quantity of gravel extracted and that appropriate royalty or penalty is levied for the unauthorized mining, they informed.
The situation is not only unfair but also causing hardship to the general public, depriving them of their rightful access to resources and is potentially endangering public safety, the letter further read.
Andaman Sheekha Daily, when asked the Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Rabindra Nagar, Smti. Sanjeeta Biswas on the matter and wanted to more on it, she said that she is much concerned about the matter.
Meanwhile the Pradhan has written a letter to the Sub Divisional Magistrate, South Andaman requesting immediate action against illegal sale of while Moorum and unauthorised hollow-block manufacturing.

TSG Bhasker Meets PCCF to discuss Workers Issues and Welfare in Chatham Saw Mill

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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: Mr. T.S.G. Bhasker, National Vice-President of INTUC Federation and President of the Forest Labour Union today held a significant meeting with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Forest Department, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
He was accompanied by the office bearers of the Works Committee, Mill Division Chatham and representatives from the INTUC Federation.
As a gesture of courtesy, the Works Committee members presented a bouquet to the PCCF at the beginning of the meeting.
Mr. TSG Bhasker handed over a letter to PCCF containing various charter of demands and discussed issues concerning the welfare of workers employed at the Chatham Saw Mill.
The PCCF responded positively, appreciating the concerns raised and assured the delegation that necessary actions would be taken to resolve all the issues at the earliest.

 

Hindu Rashtra Shakti Submits Memorandum to LG Seeking Crackdown on Suspected Illegal Immigrants in Key A&N Localities

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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: Mr. Rakeshwar Lall, State President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, has submitted a representation to the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, requesting urgent verification of non-islander residents in areas including Bathu Basti, Dairy Farm, Prem Nagar, South Point, Dollygunj, Garacharma, Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, Wimberlygunj, Bambooflat, Stuartgunj, Mannarghat, Nayapuram, Ograbranj, Tushnabad, and Numunaghar.
The memorandum highlights concerns regarding the growing presence of suspected illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, including migrant laborers, hawkers, and domestic workers, and cites security, demographic, and infrastructural challenges.
 Key measures proposed include:
1.) Call Record Analysis: Scrutinize mobile call records of suspected individuals to identify patterns linking them to cross-border networks. This is critical to uncover facilitators of illegal entry.
2.) Financial Transaction Audits: Investigate bank transactions (e.g., Axis Bank Bathu Basti Branch, IFSC: UTIB0001898) and informal channels to detect unaccounted funds used for housing fraud or fake documentation.
3.) Aadhaar Re-Verification: Mandate biometric re-verification of Aadhaar cards at authorized centers. Suspected cases must be cross-checked against the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to prevent identity fraud.
4.) Systematic Police Verification: Conduct urgent verification of informal workers (hawkers, street vendors, housemaids, etc.) who lack formal documentation, as they are vulnerable to exploitation by illegal networks.
5.) Employer Accountability: Require households and businesses employing domestic workers or vendors to submit worker details to local police stations. Non-compliance should incur penalties under Section 188 IPC (disobedience to lawful orders).
6.) Surprise Raids and Monitoring: Conduct periodic raids in markets (Aberdeen Bazaar, Junglighat, Dairy Farm) and residential clusters (Haddo, South Point, Dollygunj) to identify undocumented individuals. Collaborate with the Bureau of Immigration for swift deportation.
7.) Verification of school admission documents for Govt Rabindra Bangla Vidyalaya: (1)Transfer Certificate, (2 ) Birth Certificate of students (3) Parents’ documents:(4) ID proof (5) Residence proof (issued by Revenue Department only; documents from other authorities, including councilors, are not valid, hence strict action should be taken against invalid or forget documents as per rule.
8.) Verification of patient records (Outsider/Non-Islander): As per Government of India (GoI) guidelines, Aadhaar number is mandatory for patients who have come for treatment at GB Pant Hospital.
Additionally, they highlight the need for verification of residential addresses of employees engaged in the SPA who migrated from Kolkata or the Northeast, as they may have origins in Bangladesh. Their individual identities must be verified.
 MHA & Others State
i) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has emphasized streamlined deportation processes, including district-level detention centers and task forces.
ii) States like Gujarat and Rajasthan have set precedents by detaining thousands of illegal immigrants. Andaman, given its strategic location, must prioritize similar measures. The Supreme Court has repeatedly stressed the need for immediate deportation post-verification, rejecting indefinite detention as a violation of human rights.
 Urgent actions need
1.) Form a Special Task Force under police supervision for door-to-door verification in specified areas.
2.) Collaborate with the Bureau of Immigration to publish deportation data on public portals.
3.) Direct UIDAI and the Election Commission to deactivate Aadhaar/Voter IDs linked to illegal immigrants.
The Hindu Rashtra Shakti has urged the Lieutenant Governor to treat the matter with highest priority.

 

Leaders Urge Lt. Governor to Expedite Completion of Asti Visarjan Dhaam under Smart City Project

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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: A delegation comprising Mr. Jitender Narayan (BJP City District President), Mr. N.K. Udhay Kumar (State Yuva Morcha President), Mr. C. Karunanidhi (SVPMC Councillor), and representatives from the Hindu Raksha Shakti (HRS), visited the under-construction Asti Visarjan Dhaam (Ganga Sthal) site today and expressed serious concern over the significant delay in the project’s completion.
Originally scheduled for handover to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration last year under the Smart City Mission, the project has seen sluggish progress, raising concerns among citizens and community leaders about its timely availability for public use.
Following the visit, HRS State President Mr. Rakeshwar Lall submitted a formal letter to the Lt. Governor at Raj Niwas, Sri Vijayapuram, urging immediate intervention. The letter requested the Lt. Governor’s office to conduct a thorough review of the project status, address existing bottlenecks, and issue directives to fast-track the remaining work.
The delegation emphasized that the timely completion of the Asti Visarjan Dhaam is crucial for the community, particularly in facilitating smooth and respectful rituals related to asti visarjan (immersion of ashes), a significant religious practice.
The group expressed hope that the Administration would treat the matter with urgency and ensure swift action in the public interest.

 

Blind Hit-And-Run Case Cracked by PS Pahargaon

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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: In pursuit of the Andaman & Nicobar Police unwavering commitment to public safety and reinforcement of law and order, the team of Police Station Pahargaon under the leadership of Inspector Mohd Elias, SHO PS Pahargaon, successfully cracked a blind hit-and-run case through exceptional investigative skills and swift decisive action.
On 17/05/2025, at around 2200–2230 hrs, a pedestrian was hit by a speeding motorcycle near Bird Line, in front of Karpagam Hotel and the rider fled from the spot. Based on the statement of an eyewitness, a hit-and-run case has been registered at PS Pahargaon. The investigation of the case was entrusted to SI Manish Narayan and a dedicated team comprising HC Ravi Kumar Limbu, PCs Shiv Kumar and Rahul Mourya were formed to trace the accused.
During the course of investigation, CCTV footages from the vicinity were thoroughly analyzed. Based on the visuals and inputs received, it was revealed that the involved motorcycle was a Yamaha R15 with a modified headlight. Further, inquiries were conducted through local garages and workshops to identify owners of R15 motorcycles with similar modifications. The Birdline locality was extensively searched and found one suspect, who happened to be in Kamraj Nagar with same modifications on his R15 Bike.
The identified suspect namely Avinit Singh S/o Sh. Rajesh Singh, 22 years R/o Sippighat was apprehended and interrogated. During sustained questioning, he confessed to his involvement in the incident. Following his confession, the motorcycle used in the accident along with the helmet, raincoat, and attire worn during the time of incident were recovered and seized.
The entire operation was headed by Insp. Mohd Elias, SHO PS Pahargaon under the supervision of Mr. Ajay Rai, DANIPS, SDPO South Andaman and overall supervision of Mr. Sunny Gupta, IPS, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
The general public is requested to share information pertaining to any crime or other illegal activities to Police at 112, 03192-232100 & 03192-236641. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.

 

MESSAGE

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On this ‘International Day for Biological Diversity’, I extend my warmest greetings to the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The 2025 theme- “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” eloquently underscores the profound and inseparable bond between biodiversity and human well-being. It calls on us all to reimagine our relationship with the natural world—not as its dominators, but as its stewards, partners, and protectors.
Harmony with nature is more than an ideal—it is a way of life. It calls for deep respect for the balance of ecosystems, for using nature’s gifts responsibly and for a lasting commitment to safeguarding our planet’s bounty for generation to come. At the core of this vision lies sustainable development: a global promise to pursue progress that meets present needs without compromising the future.
Nowhere is this message more resonant than in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With their unspoiled rainforest, vibrant coral reefs and rare endemic species, these islands are among the world’s most vital biodiversity hotspots. This remarkable ecological wealth is both a national treasure and a global heritage- one we are entrusted to protect.
The beauty of these islands reflects a delicate balance between land and sea, life and livelihood. Preserving the equilibrium is not only an environment necessity- it is a moral responsibility. As guardian of this irreplaceable legacy, we must lead by example: by embracing sustainable practices, reinforcing conservation efforts and inspiring future generations to cherish and protect the natural world.
On this day, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to safeguard the biodiversity that sustains life on Earth. Let us work together to shape a future where nature and humanity coexist in true harmony. Together, we can build a greener, healthier and more sustainable world for all.
Sd/-
(Admiral D.K. Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands
&
Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency

Voluntary Blood Donation Camp at Congress Office, Gandhi Bhavan, Sri Vijaya Puram, A & N Islands

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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) along with Blood Centre, G. B. Pant Hospital, Directorate of Health Services, supported Congress Office to organize a blood donation camp at office premises, Gandhi Bhavan, Sri Vijaya Puram, A&N Islands on 21/05/2025 on the occasion of 34th Death Anniversary of the former Prime Minister of India, Late. Rajiv Gandhi. All together 54 units of blood were donated by the voluntary donors.
The camp was organized under the guidance of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director, A & N AIDS Control Society and Director, State Blood Transfusion Council, A & N Islands.
The Blood Donation camp was facilitated by Dr. Shazia Sultana MA, Junior Resident, Department of Pathology, G.B. Pant Hospital, Sri Vijaya Puram. The donors were examined for their eligibility to donate blood and briefed the donors on various aspects and importance of blood donation.
Mr. Rangalal Halder, President, ANTCC, Sri Vijaya Puram, A & N Islands, organized the camp and made arrangements for conducting the camp successfully.
The technical team from Blood Center, G.B. Pant Hospital, Sri Vijaya Puram and A & N AIDS Control Society ensured that the donated blood units are screened for the blood transmissible diseases. They also examined the donors for eligibility criteria.
Donors’ certificates were also distributed to the voluntary donors.

Towards A Drug-Free Society: Awareness Program held at Shoalbay and Bambooflat-Ii Gram Panchayats under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: As part of the ongoing efforts under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the Police (Anti-Narcotics) Department and the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), South Andaman, organized a series of awareness programs on “NASHA MUKT BHARAT ABHIYAN” on 19th May 2025 at Shoalbay Gram Panchayat and on 20th May 2025 at Bambooflat-2 Gram Panchayat. The initiative aimed to sensitize local communities about the serious health, social, emotional, and legal consequences of substance abuse and to encourage collective action towards building a drug-free society.
The events saw enthusiastic participation from Panchayat leaders, including Pradhans, Samiti members, Mukhiya Sevika, Anganwadi Workers, health workers (ANM), and local residents. At both venues, officials from the Police Department addressed the gathering on the legal consequences of substance abuse and the importance of law enforcement in preventing drug-related crimes. Representatives from IRCA elaborated on the rehabilitation and counselling services available for individuals struggling with addiction. The Social Welfare Department emphasized the emotional and social toll of addiction, highlighting the need for early intervention, family support, and community participation in combating this issue. The programs concluded with interactive sessions, where residents openly shared their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. The Social Welfare Department extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Pradhans and community members of Shoalbay and Bambooflat-2 for their active cooperation and support, which played a vital role in the successful execution of these awareness programs.

Forest Fire Mock Drill Conducts at Brindaban RF-I, Tushnabad

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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: In accordance with the directive of the Chief Secretary mandating quarterly mock drills across all departments of the A&N Administration, the Directorate of Disaster Management organized a Forest Fire Mock Drill at Brindaban RF-I, Teak Plantation, Tushnabad, South Andaman on May 21, 2025. The objective of the drill was to evaluate the preparedness and response of the Forest Department in the event of a forest fire.
As part of the drill scenario, a simulated fire broke out at the Teak Plantation in Brindaban RF-I at around 11:15 AM. Upon receiving the alert, the Forest Range Office, Tushnabad, immediately deployed a response team to the site. The Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) promptly directed the team to clear nearby plants and bushes to create a firebreak and prevent the spread of the blaze. In addition, the team employed the beating method to control and extinguish the fire.
Simultaneously, the ACF instructed officials to communicate with emergency support departments. The A&N Police arrived to manage law and order, while fire tenders, assisted by forest personnel, worked to fully extinguish the fire. During the mock drill, three forest personnel were rendered unconscious due to smoke inhalation and were immediately shifted to medical facilities via ambulance.
The drill concluded with a debriefing session, during which Mr. Janik Ram, Assistant Director, Directorate of Disaster Management, commended the Forest Department and the coordinating departments—Police, Fire, and Health—for their effective response and successful execution of the mock drill.

 

ANTCC Pays Tribute to Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Ji on his 34th Death Anniversary with Voluntary Blood Donation Camp

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Sri Vijaya Puram, May 21: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, under the leadership of its President Shri Rangalal Halder, solemnly observed the 34th Death Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Rajiv Gandhi Ji today on the 21st of May, 2025 at the Congress Office, Port Blair. The programme was organized in coordination with the City Congress Committee , Mahila Congress Committee, and Youth Congress representatives.
The observance began with the garlanding of Rajiv Ji’s portrait, followed by floral tributes offered by party leaders, members, and cadres, marked a moment of remembrance and reverence for the former Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and enduring legacy.
As a mark of tribute and social service to society, a Voluntary Blood Donation Camp was also organized on the occasion. The initiative, dedicated to the memory of Rajiv Gandhi Ji, saw the enthusiastic participation of 54 donors who contributed their blood as an expression of unity, compassion, and civic responsibility.
Many Congress Leaders attended the Programme comprising the Senior Leaders, Campaign Committee Chairman, AICC Members , ANTCC Spokesperson’s, District Congress representatives, Block Congress Representatives, Mahila Congress Leaders , City Congress Leaders , Youth Congress Leaders, Fisherman Congress Leaders, Unorganised Workers Employees Congress representatives, OBC Department representatives, SVPMC Councilors and Other Party Workers.
The event reflected the Congress Party’s continued commitment to the values championed by Rajiv Gandhi Ji — service, sacrifice, and the spirit of nation-building.