Deepak Kuamr Singh & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, July 10: Tensions have risen in these Islands as citizens protest over the death of Mrs. V Vimla, an incident that has ignited widespread unrest. Since July 7, citizens have been rallying against the administration, demanding justice for Mrs. V Vimla’s death, which has been surrounded by controversy and alleged negligence.
The protests escalated when demonstrators decided to march towards Raj Niwas, to voice their grievances. However, the situation took a severe turn when police detained several protesters, and two councillors, Mr. Someshwar Rao and Mr. Joga Rao, in a police vehicle.
According to eyewitnesses and reports from the ground, the police used force to disperse the crowd at Goal Ghar. Councillors have expressed their dissatisfaction with the police’s handling of the situation. They claimed that police officers used excessive force, including lathi charges, on unarmed protestors. This included women, who reportedly faced undue harsh treatment.
Councilor Mr. Someshwar RAo criticized the police for their actions, stating, “We went to meet the DC for the second time. During the discussion, the DC ordered the ASP to clear the road, leading to a lathi charge. This is not democracy; this is police and administration’s tyranny. Women were also targeted, which is unacceptable.”
The protests, which have blocked significant areas like Bengali Club and Golghar, have severely affected traffic and public movement. The police’s attempt to clear these areas led to arguments. The protestors have accused the police of removing street lights and attacking in the dark, which they believe was a tactic to disperse the crowd without being identified.
Women involved in the protests shared their harrowing experiences. One protester, recounted, “We have been here for five days, seeking justice. They cut off the street lights and then attacked us. None of the policemen had nameplates. This is not how justice works.”
