Port Blair, May 28: A cross section of the Islanders assembled at Junglighat, Durgapuja mandap this morning to discuss introduction of “Inner Line Permit system” in these Islands. The meeting was represented by Local Born Association, Andaman Mopla Organization, Settlers Offspring Welfare Organization, Diglipur, Settlers’ Association, Kadamtala, U.P Samaj, Andaman Tamizh Community, Andaman Telegu Community, Island Protection Forum, New Andaman Nicobar Malyalee Association. Apart from this speakers from various political parties also spoke on occasion extending their full support as Islanders.
All the speakers expressed their serious concern over unabated influx of population, encroachment on Govt., revenue and forest land, causing threat to the available natural as well as infrastructural resources. The concern was expressed about the encroachment of land scarcity of water, electricity, educational and medical facilities and job opportunities. Carrying capacity of the Islands being very limited has already exceeded addition of extra population will seriously and adversely affect the services. Thousands of participants who gathered in assembly univocally resolved to press for various issues which are introduction of Inner Line Permit System in the Islands with a cut of date as directed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its judgment dated 07.05.2002; Replacement of present Islanders Card with smart Card in accordance with Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Judgment; Andaman Bandh” has also been proposed if the Govt. and A&N Administration fails to respond in taking positive action in implementing Inner Line Permit System with a period of 45 days.
The speakers spoke on the occasion included Mrs. Shanta Laxman Singh, INC, Swarn Singh, Old Inhabitant, Mr. Abdul Siddique, Andaman Mopla Association, Mr. Sanjay Meshak, AAP Mr. Hem Kondaiah, Andhra Association, Tanmay, NSUl, Mr. Nelson, Bhatu Community, Smri Marshella Dung Dung, Jharkhand Community Mr. Kuldeep Singh, A&N Pvt. Security Organization, Mrs. Sheela Singh, UP Samaj, Dr Prem Kishen, President, LBA , Mr. Vishal Jolly, President, BJP and Mr. P. Som Naidu,,
Earlier the meeting elected Mr. P. Som Naidu as the President of today’s assembly, Dr,Prem Kishen briefed about Inner Line permit system in his welcome speech while Chairman, Board of Trustee, LBA Mr. OM Prakash proposed vote of thanks. The assembly programme was successfully compared by Mrs. Sampa Banjerjee a social activist.
