Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Feb 15: A press interaction was held by members of the Joint Action Forum regarding the proposed Deemed University issue in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where several speakers clarified their stand on the upcoming “General Call Off” and appealed to the public not to panic. Addressing the media first, Advocate Rakesh Pal Gobind stated that the purpose of calling the press was to clear confusion arising from a government notice circulated on WhatsApp referring to the imposition of Section 144 and a Supreme Court case interpretation suggesting that a “bandh” is illegal.
He emphasized that no organization or political party had declared a bandh, but only a “General Call Off,” which, according to him, is entirely different from a forced shutdown. He explained that a bandh implies forcibly stopping people from moving, restraining vehicles, or illegally preventing citizens from going to hospitals, schools, or workplaces, which the Forum strongly opposes. Advocate Gobind assured that no volunteer or member would compel anyone to close shops or halt services and that the movement would remain within the legal framework. He added that while the Forum intends to follow the law strictly, it also expects the administration and police authorities to act lawfully and avoid any illegal actions against protesting students.
Appealing to residents from Bamboo Flat to South Andaman, he said participation in the General Call Off should be voluntary and from the heart, as the issue concerns the future of island students rather than any political party or organization. He questioned the practicality of introducing advanced courses like Artificial Intelligence when existing educational infrastructure still struggles, and urged parents to consider the long-term implications on their children’s academic recognition and opportunities. AdvocaGobind also remarked that public awareness and unity were more powerful than coercion, reiterating that the Forum neither issued written threats nor intended intimidation.
Speaking next, Mr. Rangalal Halder, President of ANTCC, extended greetings to all islanders and reiterated that the call was not a forced bandh but a peaceful appeal for solidarity. He said the Joint Action Forum includes representatives from multiple political parties and social organizations, excluding only the BJP, and was formed solely to safeguard the educational future of island students. Mr. Halder stated that the administration was allegedly spreading fear by warning shopkeepers and business owners, but maintained that the decision to participate or not remained entirely with individuals. He stressed that the protest was not for personal or political gain but for the collective future of children across the islands.
Prominent activist Mr. Manoj Paul also addressed the gathering and criticized statements supporting the Deemed University proposal. He argued that many prominent national leaders send their children to reputed international universities rather than deemed institutions, questioning why island students should be limited to what he described as uncertain academic prospects. Mr. Paul urged political leaders to rise above party lines and prioritize student welfare, warning that public sentiment across the islands was closely observing the developments.
The press meet concluded with a collective appeal from all speakers urging calm, voluntary participation, and peaceful democratic expression, while reiterating that the General Call Off was a request—not a mandate—and that the ultimate decision rests with the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
