Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, May 31: The Andaman Bandh called by Bharatiya Janta Party in Andaman and Nicobar Islands today, got good response, much more than what it was expected by experts.
Peaceful Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which hardly respond to any kind of Bandh call, today responded well to the Andaman Bandh called by BJP, as a part of NDA’s nation wise Bandh call.
Nearly 80 percent of shops and market places in South Andaman region were closed till afternoon, however from afternoon half of these shops resumed normal operation.
Half of the private buses went off the road affecting the transportation network of South Andaman region. However buses of State Transport Service and Ferry Vessels of Directorate of Shipping Services continued normal service, to the much relief of remote Islanders.
“Till now the Bandh is totally peaceful. No violence or forcible closure of shops has been reported to us. We have deployed additional force for safety. Many shops, which were initially closed gradually, resumed normal operation,” SBS Tyagi, the Superintendent of Police of South Andaman told ‘Andaman Sheekha’ today.
As per report in Diglipur Island, North Andaman and Hut Bay Island of South Andaman 90 percent of shops remained closed while in middle Andaman region Billyground and Nibudera the impact of the Bandh was hardly visible.
“The hike in petrol prices is nothing but an unholy nexus between the Inflation Mafia within the government, for which everyone including workers, farmers, youth and the poor are at the receiving end of the ruthless, UPA regime” Mr. R Vimod, the State President (i/c) of A & N State BJP unit told reporters today.
The lone Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands today participated in rallies organized by BJP workers in different areas in the morning hours.
A public meeting was later organized by BJP leader at the Tiranga Park of Port Blair city.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Dr Jijith Rekh, Observer, BJP Port Blair said that this bandh is the reflection of the frustration and the suffocation in the minds of amma admi against UPA Government.
“I on behalf of BJP thank our Islanders for extending full support to us in registering protest against price hike of petrol,” Dr. Rekh added.
The Bandh came as a great relief for BJP Party, which was unable to gather a crowd of even 100 people in last couple of protests.
