Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 13: In a significant development at the ongoing student protest near the JNRM campus, a one-day Andaman Bandh was announced at around 9:30 PM today following an extensive meeting. The announcement was made by Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee, ANTCC, along with representatives of various political parties, associations, and civil society organisations who had gathered at the protest site infront of JNRM after a closed-door discussion.
According to Mr. TSG Bhasker, the meeting lasted for nearly two and a half hours and concluded with a collective decision to extend full support to the student movement. He stated that no major political party or association was left out of the consultation and that approximately “90 percent of Andaman stands with the students.”
Mr. Bhasker added that no organisation had spoken against the students, indicating near-unanimous solidarity across the islands.
Announcing the bandh, Mr. Bhasker urged citizens and students to spread the message widely on social media and maintain peace and discipline. He informed that a formal representation has been prepared as the first step toward supporting the students’ academic concerns.
Tamil Selvam, senior Congress leader participant in the meeting declared the formation of a “Joint Action Forum Against Deemed University,” with one representative each from participating organisations included to ensure coordinated and unified action. He echoed the sentiment and said that all political parties, associations, and organisational representatives who attended the discussion extended their support to the students after deliberations. He noted that the bandh on Monday would be observed from Diglipur to Campbell Bay, with buses, trucks, and shops expected to remain closed as part of the peaceful demonstration. He further mentioned that the Member of Parliament is expected to arrive tomorrow, and additional updates are likely after further consultations.
Senior Advocate Mr. Rakesh Pal Govind, who addressed the gathering later in the evening, apologised for arriving late and explained that he had been studying the issue in depth. He appealed for united public support for the bandh, clarifying that the movement is not against any institution or authority but is aimed at safeguarding students’ academic future. “We are with our students so that they receive proper Degree and can pursue higher education without uncertainty,” he said, adding that as a parent he felt it was necessary to stand together for the future of the islands. He emphasized that the protest would remain peaceful and non-political in spirit, with collective participation from all sections of society.
