Roney Antony & Venkat
Port Blair, Nov 18: Although since Saturday afternoon Port Blair city witnessed heavy rain but braving the adverse weather conditions, hundreds of volunteers of Joint Action Forum today organized a bike rally and public meeting at Port Blair city demanding Inner Line Permit, to check illegal immigration.
The Joint Action Forum had earlier announced Maha Sammelan and Bike Rally organized on 17, November 2018 but Indian Meteorological Department on 16 November issued heavy rainfall warning for 17 and 18 November 2018.
Two days back through a release the JAF had clarified that Joint Action Forum is not against any mainlanders residing in these Islands and doing business legally, JAF wants to safeguard Islands from foreign illegal immigrants.
“Despite a bandh conducted on 6th September, 2018 bringing the whole Islands to a standstill sending a clear cut and loud message that unwanted; influx will not be tolerated, the Administration’s ostrich-like behaviour and silence is deafening,” Dr. Jijith Rekh, Working President of JAF told Andaman Sheekha after the Maha Sammelan this evening at Tiranga Park of Port Blair city, amidst heavy rainfall.
Attacking Administration other the JAF leaders said that based on the recommendations of Mr. Shekhar Singh Commission; the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India had passed a judgment to implement “Inner Line Permit System” to restrict the influx of population and rampant encroachment of forest in the Islands. However, the A&N Administration has shown no keen interest in implementing it.
The demands of JAF area immediate Implementation of Inner Line Permit System in Andaman & Nicobar Islands; 100% job reservation to the Islanders who have an islander Identity Card in group B & C post; Withdrawal FIR against the gullible youth/Volunteers; Identification of Foreign illegal immigrants and deport them; Domicile Status to all Islanders; All the benefit of Govt. Schemes like ANISHI-Scheme, Subsidies, and free Medicines only to Islanders, and all benefits to be given on the basis of Islander Card and not to be entertained with Aadhaar Card and Tourist Vehicle Permit only for Islanders (Auto/Cars/Bus).
Rain however offered occasional breaks and hence the Maha Sammelan of JAF managed to get enough support.
Illegal immigration has become a major problem for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and JAF claims that thousands of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants have already entered Andaman.
It is believed that Job Reservation for Islanders and Illegal Immigration will be major political agenda in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
