Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 16:A large-scale General Call-Off called in protest against the proposed Deemed-to-be University saw overwhelming participation today in Sri Vijaya Puram and across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Shops, markets, public establishments and partial transport services remained closed almost throughout the day as islanders—including traders and professionals—responded to the call for solidarity with the student movement.
On the ground, the streets of Sri Vijaya Puram were notably quieter than usual by mid-morning. Many shopkeeper said they voluntarily shut their shops to show support for the thousands of students protesting against the administration’s plans to transform existing government colleges into a Deemed-to-be University under a new institutional structure—an idea that has sparked dissent among students, parents and community leaders alike.
“I closed my shop voluntarily today. This is not just about students—it is about the future of our children,” said a shopkeeper near the main market. Many echoed this sentiment, describing the shutdown not as a forced bandh but as a peaceful expression of unity with the students.
By afternoon, social media and local WhatsApp groups were flooded with pictures and status updates of closed shops and quiet streets of all prominent Islands. Today’s protest remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or law and order issues. Police personnel were present in limited numbers across Andaman and Nicobar Islands only as a precaution.
