Sri Vijaya Puram, November 1: A seminar on Coastal Security of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Interaction with Coastal Security Stakeholders was organised yesterday at the Conference Hall of the A&N Police Headquarters, Sri Vijaya Puram, under the joint chairmanship of Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM (Retd.), National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC), and the Director General of Police, A&N Islands.
The seminar was attended by senior officers from the A&N Administration, A&N Police and representatives of various stakeholders associated with coastal and maritime security in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, providing a common platform for deliberations on prevailing maritime security concerns, operational preparedness and inter-agency coordination.
The programme commenced with the welcome address by the DIGP (L&O)/CID, followed by a presentation on “Coastal Policing in A&N Islands” by the SP (PMF)/SMSC, ANI, highlighting the existing coastal security arrangements, operational capabilities and the role of the A&N Police Marine Force in safeguarding the extensive maritime boundaries of the Islands.
Thereafter, the Intelligence Bureau made a presentation on “Strategic Security and Vulnerabilities of A&N Islands”, highlighting important security considerations in the strategically significant island territory. The Indian Coast Guard shared its perspectives on “Transnational Poaching and Maritime Narcotics Trafficking”, while the Department of Fisheries made a presentation on “Fishermen as Eyes and Ears of Coastal Security”, emphasising the important role of the fishing community in strengthening coastal surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The presentations were followed by an interactive session with coastal security stakeholders, during which various aspects of maritime security, operational coordination and existing challenges were discussed.
The NMSC also addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts of the A&N Police Marine Force in undertaking in-house repair and maintenance of marine assets, as observed during his visit to the PMF facilities. He further shared his valuable insights and guidance on strengthening the coastal security framework. He highlighted the vast geographical expanse of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and emphasised the importance of effective inter-agency coordination to address existing gaps and ensure robust coastal security.
The seminar concluded with the valedictory address by the Director General of Police, A&N Islands, followed by the vote of thanks delivered by the Dy. SP (PMF).
The seminar provided a valuable opportunity for the coastal security stakeholders of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to interact directly with the NMSC and exchange views on matters of mutual concern. It also served as an important platform for the A&N Administration and Police to apprise the NMSC of the existing coastal security set-up, operational arrangements and capabilities in the Islands, while bringing to his attention the geographical, logistical and operational challenges encountered in ensuring effective coastal security across the vast and dispersed island territory. The interaction is expected to contribute towards a better understanding of the ground realities and facilitate further strengthening of the coastal security mechanism in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
