Nishar Mohammed
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 30: Rising airfares for Islanders returning from the mainland have become a matter of serious concern, and the issue will now be taken directly to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, according to Andaman & Nicobar State BJP President Mr. Anil Kumar Tiwari. Speaking to the media today, Mr. Tiwari said bringing down airfare for Islanders remains his immediate priority, while also raising the recent alleged assault on local fishermen and providing an update on several long-pending development issues concerning the Islands.
Referring to the sharp increase in return airfares from the mainland, Mr. Tiwari said he had earlier written to the Union Civil Aviation Minister requesting intervention to reduce airfare. Mr. Tiwari announced that on July 1, his first official task would be to write a strong letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, enclosing his earlier representation to the Civil Aviation Ministry and urging immediate intervention.
He said Islanders deserve special consideration because of their geographical isolation. According to him, one possible long-term solution is the introduction of an airfare subsidy similar to the subsidy available for passenger ship travel. He suggested that subsidised airfare could be limited to four or five journeys annually for each Islander, ensuring genuine travellers receive relief without misuse of the scheme.
Mr. Tiwari also noted that the discontinuation of charter flight services has reduced travel options for Islanders. Since most airlines are now privately operated, commercial considerations often take precedence. However, he expressed hope that if all political parties, media organisations and civil society jointly support the demand, the Central Government may consider extending airfare support for Island residents.
Turning to the recent alleged assault on fishermen near East Island, Mr. Tiwari described the incident as deeply disturbing. He said he had personally seen the injuries sustained by the fishermen and maintained that local fishermen earn their livelihood honestly through fishing and are not involved in criminal activities.
He informed that he has already written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking a thorough inquiry into the incident, since the Indian Coast Guard functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Mr. Tiwari asserted that if any Coast Guard personnel or officials are found guilty after investigation, strict action should be taken against them. He questioned why local fishermen possessing valid documents were allegedly assaulted while carrying out their livelihood.
He said discussions had taken place with BJP’s Fishermen Cell Convener Mr. Hema Raju, who briefed him in detail about the incident. According to Mr. Tiwari, merely holding discussions with the concerned authorities is not sufficient; what is needed is an impartial inquiry that fixes responsibility and delivers justice to the affected fishermen.
The BJP leader also shared progress on several development proposals submitted earlier to the Central Government as part of an 11-point memorandum. He said the proposal for a second dam to address seasonal drinking water shortages has moved forward, while approval has also reportedly been granted for four passenger ships of around 600-seat capacity. In addition, he said a proposed 50 MW LNG-based power plant has also received approval following discussions with the concerned ministry.
Regarding the remaining proposals, including enhanced compensation for families affected by the Great Nicobar Development Project, Mr. Tiwari said discussions with the Central Government are continuing. He added that a delegation from the Islands would soon visit New Delhi to pursue the pending demands, expressing confidence that implementation of the entire 11-point agenda would provide significant relief to the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
