Sheekha Bureau
Port Blair, Oct 14: The Andaman and Nicobar Police has reportedly registered a FIR against 12 volunteer of Joint Action Forum (JAF) for obstructing the lone Member of Parliament’s vehicle during the Bandh organized by JAF in Andaman on 6th September 2018.
The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray faced the wrath of local youths on the Bandh day, when he visited Bahtu Basti Junction, one of the areas, where large number of youths had gathered to demand Implementation of Inner Line Permit during the Bandh on 6th September 2018.
According to reports, angry over a statement of MP, calling demand for Inner Line Permit unconstitutional, hundreds of youths, had gheraoed the MP and MP’s vehicle and shouted slogans like “MP go back” and “Bangladeshi go Back”, as soon as he reached the protest site.
Angry youths had also hurled water bottles on police vehicles, in which the Police personnel were trying to take the MP out of the area. The vehicle was also blocked by mob for nearly 15 minutes during which many protesters were seen abusing MP for giving statement against Inner Line Permit demand.
The matter of registering FIR against 12 JAF volunteers was strongly condemned during the General Body meeting of Joint Action Forum organized today at Netaji Hall, Port Blair.
During the meeting the JAF decided to organize a Maha Sammelan on 17 November 2018 at Tiranga Park Prot Balir after which a rally will be organized from Tiranga Park to Pahargaon Police Station, where this FIR has been launched.
According to reports presently JAF is contemplating on this new development are planning steps to put pressure on Administration in this issue.
Members of JAF however, raised serious questions over the Administration for targeting only 12 individuals and registering FIR against them when the entire development on that day was spontaneous and happened only when MP visited the protest site himself, even after declaring that he is against the demand of Inner Line Permit.
A few members while talking Andaman Sheekha held MP responsible for the development and alleged that MP had actually provoked JAF volunteer by visiting the protesting site.
Many questioned how only 12 individuals have been zeroed by police when there were dozens and dozens volunteers present at the spot.
Insiders told Andaman Sheekha that the FIR has been lodged under section 186, 334 and 341, which is obstructing government servant from performing his duties, provocation etc. However, according to experts although the charges are not very serious but such FIR will surely backfire for the Member of Parliament in coming elections.
