Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 12: The Andaman & Nicobar Police proudly announces the national debut of Ladies Pipe Band at the prestigious 25th All India Police Band Competition. The event, set to take place in Shokuvi, Dimapur, Nagaland, from 16th to 22nd November 2024, will witness the participation of Bands from numerous states showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication on a national platform. This historic step marks a significant milestone, as the Ladies Pipe Band, representing the spirit and cultural heritage of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, prepares to make an indelible mark in the competition.
Formed in 2014, the Ladies Pipe Band, A&N Police initially comprised 27 volunteering female Police personnel. Over the years, the band has evolved through frequent mentorship programme from the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC). Similarly, now in 2024, while preparing for the event, the Band received a significant boost with a six-month intensive program conducted by the First Gorkha Rifles, where a total of 24 dedicated women completed the training and enhancing their capabilities in full-band march and mastering all 14 tunes required for the competition across various instruments, including pipes, tenor drums, and bass drums.
Before proceeding to participate in the National event, the Ladies Pipe Band showcased their skill and readiness by giving a splendid display of their musical prowess at Parade Ground, Army Camp, in the presence of DGP (ANI), CoS (ANC) and other senior officers.
As the Ladies Pipe Band prepares to represent the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on a national stage, their debut symbolizes the culmination of collective efforts and dedicated training. The entire community stands united in support, confident that this talented group of women will make the Islands proud.

Saurav Adhikari & Neeraj
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 11: A large gathering of women from the tsunami shelter area of Naya Shahar expressed deep concerns over the illegal activities of an alleged land mafia operating in the region. According to the residents, the land mafia has been engaging in unauthorized deforestation and burning tree roots to clear land, creating a significant environmental threat to the village. Many women also reported receiving direct threats from these individuals, who warned that they would damage essential infrastructure like roads and septic tanks if the women continued to voice their concerns.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, many women emphasized how these activities not only endanger the environment but also compromise their safety. “They cut down the trees without any permission, even though forest wood is restricted for us,” one resident said. “These trees provide crucial support, yet they are being destroyed recklessly. If a fire spreads, it could easily reach our homes, where we have gas cylinders and children. We feel unsafe every day.”
The issue escalated as the land mafia reportedly warned the women that they would take over local roads, safety tanks, and even a community well. “We’ve lived here for 17 years, but they’re telling us this is their land, and they’re here to take it over, even if it means destroying the very things we rely on for survival,” another resident shared.
Zilla Parishad Member of the region, Mr. Prakash Adhikari, also voiced concern in this regard. He expressed similar concerns over the severe deforestation and environmental degradation. “When I learned about this issue, I realized it’s my responsibility to support these residents,” stated the Zilla Parishad member. He further explained that he joined the women in bringing the matter to the attention of the SDM, who promised a thorough investigation.
In an urgent meeting, the SDM and other officials toured the affected areas. During the inspection, theSDM reportedly noted the vast scale of deforestation and declared that only dangerous trees can be felled with explicit permission. Any unauthorized deforestation must cease immediately. “This situation will be thoroughly examined, and we will take action based on the findings,” the SDM reportedly assured the residents.

 

Sir Vijaya Puram, Nov 11: Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, VSM, Flag Officer, Commanding Eastern Fleet on visit to A&N Islands in connection with Indian Navy Eastern Fleet Exercises in adjoining waters of A&N Islands, called on Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency today at Raj Niwas.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 10: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, A & N Islands on 8th November 2024 met Admiral DK Joshi, Lt Governor , A & N Islands and held discussions over two important burning issues among other matters. As per a press release issued by MP office, the first issue raised by the MP was regarding integration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
After giving patient hearing, the LG assured the MP that a proposal as requested by MP will be taken up for approval of the Central Government at the earliest.
Moreover the second important issue raised by the MP was regarding immediately starting the registration of sale deeds and the long pending diversions cases of private land. The LG informed the MP that the LG’s Secretariat has not issued any instruction or order to stop the land conversion or land registration. Hence there is no reason to stop or withhold registration or diversion of land by the Administration.
The LG also assured the MP that all other issues raised by him will amicably resolve soon. The meeting was cordial and productive.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 10: HumaneTouch, a leading NGO dedicated to social welfare and community upliftment, inaugurated its new Nagrik Seva Kendra on November 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM at its Wimberly Gunj office. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed Dr. Nitin Shakya, DANICS Director of Social Welfare, who attended as the Chief Guest. Dr. Shakya lauded the efforts of HumaneTouch and highlighted various social welfare schemes in his address, commending the NGO’s ongoing commitment to serving the community.
An independent Self-Help Group (SHG) named IZZAT SHG was also introduced at the event. IZZAT SHG has been established to support women’s empowerment and generate employment opportunities through catering services and providing homemade food. This initiative aims to foster economic independence among women in the community.
The event also honored notable figures from the Islamic Welfare Society, with M Abdul Majeed, President, and MK Mohammed, Secretary, attending as Guests of Honor. The program commenced with a welcome speech and a Presidential address from Br. Intazar Nahim, President of HumaneTouch, who offered an overview of the NGO’s numerous initiatives focused on social betterment and community support.
Br. A Abdul Aziz, Coordinator of the Nagrik Seva Kendra, outlined the wide range of essential services the center will offer. These services include assistance for scholarships under CSR funds, passport seva, and online applications for driving and learning licenses. Additionally, the center provides career counseling, support for online applications for admission and entrance exams for both state and national-level colleges and universities, and guidance on accessing a variety of social welfare schemes through the Health, Social Welfare, and Industries departments, among other services.
On behalf of HumaneTouch, Jb. M Abdul Majeed presented a memento to Dr. Nitin Sakya as a token of appreciation for his valuable support. Jb. MK Mohammed also addressed the audience, underscoring the significance of assisting the underprivileged through dedicated social work.
The gathering was further enriched by speeches from P Abdul Basheer, Pradhan Kanyapuram; VK Mariyam Bibi, Zila Parishad, Bamboo Flat; and V.D Leju, a noted social worker. Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Venkat Ram Babu, Pradhan of Wimberly Gunj; A Ummer, Zilla Parishad member of Wimberly Gunj; Deb Kumar Badra, President of Sparsh NGO; Mr. Abhay Kumar, President of LOTE NGO; and Mr. N Yousuf, President of AMSO, along with around 110 villagers who joined in celebrating the center’s inauguration.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Br. MK Naseerudeen, Secretary of HumaneTouch, while Br. N Yassir, Executive Member of HumaneTouch, adeptly moderated the ceremony.
The Nagrik Seva Kendra stands as a testament to HumaneTouch’s mission to support and uplift the community by ensuring access to essential welfare services, thus empowering citizens and fostering social harmony. Nagrik Seva Kendra, Opp. BSNL Office, Wimberly Gunj will be open from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM from Monday to Saturday.

Rabindranath Biswas
Harinagar/Diglipur, Nov. 08: Shri Arun Kumar Garg Director, Ministry of Power & CNO JSA N&M Andaman and Ms Chirashree Mohanty Scientist “D” CGWB, Ministry of Jal Skati, accompanied by APWD Engineers Shri Abdul Mubeen AE (EE i/c) and Shri Ajit Chowdhery AE with JEs, Pradhan, Up-Pradhan, Zilla Parishad members and all PRI Members visited the proposed Korangnala Dam site for inspecting the on site situation yesterday.

According to information, after the visit at the Korangnala Dam site, the Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Harinagar, Shri Manojit Halder along with Shri Sankar Mondal ZP, Mamta Biswas, Up-Pradhan and all PRI Members reportedly invited the team in the Panchayat Office of GP Harinagar and welcomed the Director and the scientist with bouquet and shawls. The Pradhan then elaborated his efforts regarding the construction of Dam and told that with the support of the Chief Secretary Andaman and Nicobar Administration only the survey of the said project is in ongoing process and without the approval of the concerned Ministry reportedly there is no chance of construction of Dam at Korangnala, the Pradhan informed. Mr. Halder then requested the team to look into the matter seriously as only this project can solve the problem of water in the entire area, he said. The Pradhan expressed his thanks for their positive approach and demanded to execute the project as early as possible and redress the water problem of this panchayat. The team assured the Pradhan that they will do their level best so that the project can be started at the earliest, the Pradhan further added.

Notably, recently Andaman Sheekha Daily published the news of the age-old damaged check dams under GP Harinagar resulting in a shortage of drinking water for the villagers in the region; and the visit of the Director, Ministry of Power, CGWB Scientist, Ministry of Jal Skati & CNO JSA N&M Andaman at the proposed Korangnala Dam site yesterday is undeniably an impact of the publishing of the news by ASD. Andaman Sheekha Daily continually puts its best efforts to reach out to the ground level and people and carries the grievances of the people in the daily.

 

Sourav Adhikari & Neeraj
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 08: In a press conference organised today, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, openly expressed his concerns on several pressing issues, ranging from governance to public health services, and Land Conversion.
Mr. Ray highlighted his recent experiences with local Administration and officials’ reluctance to respond to parliamentary queries, calling for greater transparency and adherence to official protocols. He shared that despite repeated attempts to raise questions with the administration, they have frequently failed to provide adequate responses, pointing out that responses given often misrepresent or lack clarity, especially on land conversion and authority jurisdiction issues.
A significant part of the press conference centered on the Andaman administration’s approach to essential health services. Mr. Ray cited recent cases from the island’s hospitals, where a lack of specialized care and surgical staff had reportedly led to several preventable fatalities.
He emphasized the urgent need for equipped Intensive Care Units (ICUs), surgical specialists, and adequate emergency facilities to handle complex cases, recounting several incidents where delays or insufficient care had dire consequences for patients.
Discussing land conversion policies, Mr. Ray claimed that recent statements provided to the Parliament were inaccurate, and called for immediate amendments. He pointed out the administration’s inefficiencies in implementing decisions, particularly regarding land-use projects aimed at boosting local employment and development. Highlighting procedural lapses, he expressed concern over delays in approvals which are affecting the region’s development and citizens’ welfare.
Mr. Ray urged the administration to streamline its response mechanisms to effectively address these issues. He called on the judiciary and concerned departments to take action, advocating for an improved healthcare system and accountability within the governance framework to ensure the welfare of Andaman residents.