Mass Dharna Planned at Long Island to Address Charter of Demands

Long Island, Jan. 19: A one-day mass dharna is being planned by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Merchant Association, and the general public of Long Island to voice their grievances regarding unmet demands that are critical to the well-being of the community. As per a mass petition submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of N & M Andaman, the dharna is scheduled to take place on January 28, 2025, at the Long Island Jetty premises, if their urgent demands are not addressed by January 27, 2025.
In a formal letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman on 15 January 20204, the community of Long Islands expressed their frustration over the lack of action on a previous communication submitted to the administration regarding five key issues. The letter, signed by several residents including the Pradhan of Long Island, Mr. B. Kamaraju, outlines the following charter of demands:
1. Immediate Provision of Ambulance Service: The island currently lacks a dedicated ambulance service, causing delays and complications in patient care.
2. Appointment of a Permanent Lab Technician: The Primary Health Centre (PHC) on Long Island has been operating without a permanent lab technician, severely affecting diagnostic services for the residents.
3. Night-Time Emergency Boat Service: An emergency boat service for patients during nighttime is an urgent requirement to ensure timely medical assistance.
4. Reliable Electricity Supply: Residents have demanded consistent power supply for Long Island, along with the posting of a permanent mechanic at the island’s power house to address frequent power outages.
5. Construction of Yeratta Jetty: The community has called for the construction of a jetty at Yeratta to facilitate safe embarkation and disembarkation from the local ferry service operating between Long Island and Yeratta.
The planned dharna is aimed at pressing the administration to take immediate and effective measures to resolve the issues. The organizers hope that their collective efforts will lead to tangible outcomes and ensure the timely redressal of their grievances.