Trinath
Mayabunder, Feb 19: A STS bus, full of college students and teachers today met with an accident at Pema Tikry area near Tugapur, Mayabunder.
According to reports the accident took place at around 8.25 am when the Bus was going towards Mahatma Gandhi Government college with nearly 60 students and some staffs.
As per report the Bus started from Rangat at 6.20 AM for college trip but when the bus reached near Pema Tikry the Driver of the Bus Mr. Rasheed felt, something is wrong with the bus but before he could react the Steering of the Bus got jammed and the Bus went out of control. Luckily the bus came to a halt after hitting a road side mound, after going off the road.
It is learnt that the driver and a few students suffered minor injuries. The students were later shifted to school in other vehicles. A case has been registered in this regard by police, it is learnt.

Staff Reporter
Port Blair, Feb 17: While the flagship Digital India programme of the current central government kept many across the country and abroad fascinated, residents of remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands continue to endure with poor internet services.
The Lt. Governor of these islands has reiterated at several platforms that the islanders’ long-cherished dream for faster communication will be realised by 2018 after the completion of the Under Sea Cable Project. Many hopes that this promised will surely be kept.
On the other hand, taking own initiative some youths of these islands have now launched an online campaign demanding better internet connectivity.
In the online petition signed by many till date, the youth claimed that the administration has been lethargic towards the dire need to improve internet connectivity in the archipelago.
“Islanders have become chronic to internet in today electronic age, but the administration appears to be least bothered to take necessary steps to address the concerns relating to poor internet. Almost every islander have become dependable on internet for various purposes like online shopping, social media connect, booking air tickets etc. But BSNL which provides 4 Mbps broadband at Chennai, provides only 64 Kbps in these islands,” says the petition.
“Even crucial government services are adversely affected due to poor connectivity. Citizens visiting government officers for various online services often return dejected due to breakdown of internet links. The internet speed is slow in these islands that a 9kb Google Homepage takes atleast 5 minutes to load. Internet service providers on the other hand pass on the buck to the administration blaming it for the poor connectivity. In this 21st century, poor internet services have become agonizing for the islanders and the online petition by the local youth is intended to wake up the administration from slumber. We need change atleast in respect of proper internet services so that this remote territory remains connected to the globe,” the petition adds.
These youths are now asking for support from people of these Islands and urging them to sign the petition. “Supporting them only by signing the petition can ring the bells and prove an alarm to many big officials. Hoping for a change let’s do it,” said a local youth, who has already signed the petition.

Port Blair, Feb 17: The Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC accompanied by Smt Lily Raha, President Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) arrived here on a two day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Command on Monday. They were received by Vice Admiral Pradeep K Chatterjee, PVSM, AVSM, NM, ADC, Commander-in-Chief and Smt Rubu Chatterjee, President Dweep Wives Welfare Association (DWWA).
The Chairman COSC and CAS was given a detailed briefing on the operational preparedness of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and visited ANC units and establishments at Port Blair. He reviewed the infrastructure development and future perspective plan of ANC. He highlighted the importance of synergy amongst the three services being the central pillar to achieve military successes in the highly fluid and unstable security environment around the world. He emphasized that all out efforts towards infrastructure development in the islands would go a long way in providing India the edge in today’s political and economic uncertainties.
The Chairman COSC and President AFWWA accompanied by CINCAN and President DWWA visited Air Force Station Car Nicobar. They were received by Air Cmde Arun Bhaskar Gupta, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Component (AOC AFC) and other officials and presented with a Guard of Honour on his arrival.
The Chairman COSC and CAS interacted with the air warriors at length and applauded their efforts to keep the defence services flags flying high. He emphasised on the importance of improving the infrastructure of the isolated and strategically located Air Force Base towards National Security. He further stressed upon the need to keep vigil in view of the present security environment. He wished the Armed Forces personnel and their far away families the very best before departing for Delhi.
Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC graduated from the National Defence Academy, Pune, with the President’s Gold Medal in 1973 and was commissioned in the Flying Branch in Dec 1974. He is an experienced fighter pilot. He is a Cat A qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader with nearly 3400 hrs of fighter aircraft flying experience. He has served as a Directing Staff at two premier institutes of IAF, Flying Instructors School and the Tactics and Combat Development Establishment. He has also been inspector at the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection in Air Headquarters and Staff Officer to the Chief of the Air Staff. He was deputed as the Military and Air Attache in the Embassy of India, Kyiv, Ukraine from 1999 to 2001.
An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, Delhi, he has held many operational assignments such as Commanding Officer of a MIG-29 Squadron, Station Commander of Air Force Station Bhatinda in Punjab during ‘OP PARAKRAM’, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Adampur and Advance Headquarters Western Air Command, Chandimandir. He has also been the Deputy Commandant Air Force Academy, Hyderabad and Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters Western Air Command. He has the rare distinction of being the Air Officer Commanding in Chief of two Operational Commands i.e. Central Air Command and the Western Air Command. Before taking over as Chief of the Air Staff, he held the appointment of Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He was also the Commodore Commandant of No 47 Squadron till 30 July 2015.
For his distinguished service, the Air Chief Marshal has been awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal. He was appointed as Honorary Aide-de-Camp (Air) to the President of India wef 01 Dec 2012. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC was appointed as the Chairman, Chief’s of Staff Committee on 31 Jul 14.

Ganesh
Baratang, Feb 12: As if harsh punishment under the PAT regulation was not enough, fishermen of Baratang region are now put up with a new trouble. According to reports, fishers of the area are now being frequently attacked by the members of the Jarawa primitive tribes who even snatch their catch and dinghies in the process.
Baratang Island lies along the periphery of the Jarawa reserve belt and fishermen of the area often land up fishing in the waters close to buffer zone.
“In the recent days, Jarawa men deliberately quarrel with us while we fish in the inland waters. They abuse us, snatch fishing items, fish catch and even boats from us. They have even shot at us with bows and arrows at times.
It has been difficult for the fishermen of the area to sustain their livelihood activity as more than five fishing boats have already been confiscated by the Jarawas till date.
“The tribals, who enjoy immunity from law, have suddenly started acting violently with us. We’re helpless as the authorities have taken no steps to redress our concerns,” said some fishermen speaking to Andaman Sheekha.
According to reports, a group of Baratang fishermen recently met the Zilla Parishad member of Baratang, Mr Algar Swamy and requested him to take up the concerns with the concerned authorities in the District Administration for an early redressal.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Mr. Algar Swami has requested the Administration to make sure that the fishermen of the area, who are not violating PAT regulation in any way, are not attacked by Jarawa Tribes.

Port Blair, Feb 14: By covering a mega event like Andaman Marathon 2016, on the strength of Mobile phone’s local AIR Station had proved that it has efficient programme and engineering staffs to cover events without much of technical innovations. AIR covered the event from start to end without any failure. The Sports producer and the team of professionals and non professionals needs appreciation for doing an unprecedented job. The response of the people indicates that AIR will have to come up with such more innovative ideas to give a fresh lease of life to this broadcast medium. The achievement seemed humongous considering the fact that local DDK could bring it live to the people of remote areas. The brain behind this whole effort needs a special appreciation.

Sarthak Kanjilal & Francis Ekka
Port Blair, Feb 14: The Make My Trip, Andaman Marathon today received overwhelming response from sports enthusiasts, supporters, media, police, defence, Administration and all other sections of these Islands.
Thousands of enthusiasts including sports lovers, professional runners, amateurs, officials, children and even senior citizens today gathered infront of Cellular Jail this morning to participate in the Marathon, which ended without any hiccups.
Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd.) A K Singh today flagged off the Marathon in the presence of famous TV and Movie actress Mandira Bedi.
The Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has exhibited exceptional professionalism in organizing this major event.
In his address at the concluding function held at the Netaji Stadium later this morning, the Lt Governor said these Islands posses many qualities; one among them being the ‘undying spirit of the Islanders’. “This spirit was reflected in the Andaman Marathon -2016 in which young boys, ladies and senior citizens participated in the right earnest. “Three cheers to the spirit that enables the Islanders take part in such events”, an elated Lt Governor said.

Complementing the organizers and the sponsors for successfully conducting the event, the Lt. Governor suggested for fixing the first Sunday of February month every year for ‘Andaman Marathon’. The Lt. Governor further desired that greater publicity should be given to the event, well in advance, so as to clarify all doubts; and encourage more participation. Turning to sports in the Islands, the Lt. Governor emphasized that these Islands are very much connected with sports. Football is still a favorite game in Carnicobar, said the the Lt Governor, also mentioning about Debroah, the Ace cyclist from these Islands; now ranked no. 4 in the World. “No Indian has achieved such a feat”, the Lt Governor said and hoped that Deborah will continue to bring greater laurel to the Islands in the years to come.

The Lt Governor also mentioned about the Martial Art team which stood second in the All India Level in National Games. “I was amazed to see that our young boys and girls have brought such laurels to these Islands”, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor showered all praise for the A&N contingent which participated in the National Games and brought laurels to the Islands. All the States and UTs participated in the games and our Island team remained in 17th position which, the Lt Governor said, is a great achievement. The girls alone have won 12 to 13 medals, a beaming Lt Governor said, urging the boys to come forward and show their mettle too.

About the Islands, the Lt Governor said those residing here and those who visit these Islands are indeed lucky to enjoy such peace, tranquility and smile on everybody’s face. “Andaman & Nicobar is a true representation of the Constitution of India”, the proud Lt Governor added.

The Lt Governor concluded his speech by saying “Sports is high on my radar. We are making progress slowly but steadily; and will provide adequate opportunities to our young boys and girls; enabling them to realize their true potentials”.

The Lt. Governor and Ms Bedi gave away trophies and cash prizes to the winners of different categories of the event in the function. The Lt Governor also presented a memento to Ms Mandira Bedi on the occasion.

Earlier during the flag off ceremony, Ms Bedi pepped up the spirit of the participants and said that running is like meditation which gives peace to the mind; and wished them good luck.

Soon after flagging off the Marathon, the celebrity guest Ms Bedi, accompanied by the Lt. Governor, took a cycle ride from Cellular Jail along the shore of South Point to enjoy the scenic beauty and ambience of A&N Islands.

Addressing the gathering during the prize distribution ceremony, Ms Bedi expressed profound joy in being part of the Andaman Marathon-2016. She hailed the serene beauty and tranquility of the Islands and lauded the sportsmanship spirit of the Islanders right from young children to the youth and senior citizens, who showed great eagerness and actively participated in the event. Urging the participants to continue being fit and healthy, Ms Mandira Bedi remarked that Andaman Marathon will grow tremendously and garner popularity in the coming days. She also shared her experience of the Islands and the short cycle sightseeing she undertook this morning.

In the Marathon, the Kenyan runners; both male and female; walked away with first, second and third prizes for (21K men & women) open half marathon.

Shri Anoop Arora handed over a cheque of Rs 50,000 to the Lt Governor for distribution among the Islander category winners. This prize money has been instituted in memory of late Krishanji Arora (Guru Uncle), a great sports enthusiast of these Islands.

The President ACCI, Shri Girish Arora presented mementoes to the Lt. Governor and other dignitaries on the occasion. Shri Abhijit Agrawal, through his compeering and running commentary of the Marathon impressed one and all present at the Stadium.

The MakeMy trip Andaman Marathon was organized by the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), The ACCI President, Shri Girish Arora proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the prize distribution ceremony.

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, February 12: The unemployed CDC holders of the islands will be staging protest against Shipping Department for not fulfilling their long pending demands since last 15 years.
As per reports, nearly 250-300 unemployed CDC holders have already given a one week notice to the Shipping Department about their agitation against the department proposed to be held at Tiranga Park from 17th February.
The two major demands of the unemployed CDC holders are Seniority wise enrolment of unemployed CDC holders in Administration Company as Roster and engaging the local crew in the Andaman Administration owned vessels like MV Nicobar, MV Akbar and MV Harshavardhana.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, an unemployed CDC Holder Mr R Sanjay Kumar said that they are fighting with the administration since last 15 years pertaining to resolve these pending demands and for filling up the huge vacant posts as per administration company Roster in all three sectors i.e Mainland, Interisland and Foreshore.
The unemployed CDC holders had recently addressed their grievance to the Prime Minister Office on 26 June 2015 and immediately the grievances were forwarded to the Administration for taking necessary action for resolving the grievances but till now none of the grievances has been resolved by the Andaman Administration, the CDC holders alleged.
“When the administration is not taking the orders of the PM Office seriously then we are just a common man, except agitation we don’t have any other way by which administration can take up our issue,” said Mr Sanjay a local CDC holder.
Mr Sanjay further said that first one week all the local CDC holders will be agitating against the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and if even after that the administration does not resolve our issues then we all will go for a hunger strike.