Francis Ekka
Port Blair, Apr 10: The president of Local Born Association, Dr. Prem Kishan today said that Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known as Mini India only because of the Local Born people (Pre-42 communities).
Addressing a massive gathering during the Maha-Sammelan of pre-1942 communities in the premises of Netaji Hall, Aberdeen Bazar, Port Blair Dr. Kishan said that present day trend does not support public’s Mini India claim as in Andaman it is now believed that one can’t become councillor if he is not from particular community, one can’t become Zilla Parishad if he is not from particular community, one can’t become Member of Parliament if he is not from a particular community. “Where is mini India? it is for name sake. The Mini India title is just because of our community but people are slowly forgetting us,” Dr. Prem Kishen added.
He demanded 50 percent or sizable representation of Pre-42 community in LG Advisory Committee.
Targeting the Lt. Governor and Development Plan-2030 function at New Delhi Dr. Prem Kishen question whether future plan of Andaman will be made by Generals without even consulting local residents.
“Recently our one General handed over Development Plan of Andaman upto 2030 to another General. Will only military make planning about Andaman’s future? We have no idea what plans are being made. People are unaware but the plan has been made in Delhi. What are the strategies? Are those against us or for us? Public should know,” Dr. Prem Kishen said.
Lot of other speakers addressed the gathering today.
According to leaflets distributed by LBA the main agenda of this Conference were Participation of pre-1942 Communities in the Administration of A&N Islands; Implementation of Shekher Singh Commission’s recommendation as per the direction of Hon’ble Supreme court specially Inner line permit system in A&N Islands; allotment of land in favour of pre-1942 communities in these Islands and extending ownership right on the land holding of the pre-1942 community instead of tenancy; Recognition and allotment of excess land in possession of pre-1942 Community pertaining to the period pre-1942 as well as per 1978; Cancellation of acquisition of land acquired by the A&N Admn. In lieu of tsunami compensation; Cancellation of acquisition of plantations of Co-operative Societies of the pre-1942 Communities allotted to them prior to independence by the British Government for their livelihood; Preference in all appointment to the pre-1942 Communities; Issue of Andaman Nativity Certificate to pre-1942 Communities instead of local Certificate; Declaration the name of late Sher Ali as freedom fighter and payment of compensation from Japanese Govt. to all pre-1942 Communities of A&N Islands.
Padmashree Naresh Chander Lal, who has been recently honoured with Padmashree by President of India has also been felicitated by the Local Born Association during today’s Conference.
