Sarthak Kanjilal

Port Blair, Oct 15: The Andaman and Nicobar Police Department has initiated steps to resolve the issues of the Fire Services Department. The Fire services agency has been reeling under shortage of staff, lack of promotions and denial of 13 month salary at par with their counterparts in the Police Department.
“The Police Department is concerned about the prevailing situation in the Fire Services and the matter has been placed before the Administration and the Home Ministry. We are hopeful on an early redressal of the concerns,” said the Director General of Police, Mr Rajesh Malik.
The entire Fire Services workforce is upset over shortage of staff, lack of promotional avenues resulting to increased workload for the personnel in the agency. While the assurance of the DGP may bring temporary smiles to the troubled fire personnel, it remains to be seen the deadline within which the concerns are addressed.

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Oct 14: The Brookshabad Murder Case took a new turn yesterday, when the wife of the deceased namely Sapna Joydhan was arrested by the Pahargaon Police.
Police claims deep involvement of the accused in the murder of her husband namely Late Sandip Samanta, 20 years.
According to reports, a team of Police under the overall supervision of SHO Hari Narayan and DSP South Andaman arrested the wife of the deceased Sapna Joydhan under4/5/20(B) IPC and produced her before the court today. As per reports, Sapna Joydhan has been sent to the judicial custody.
Earlier, a physically challenged man was found dead at Corbyn’s Cove beach on September 28 at around 06:30 am. The deceased was later identified as Sandip Samanto, a resident of Birchgunj Dakiya Pahad.
During the course of investigation, on September 29thone suspect Biplab Bairagi, 20 yrs, Pvt. Painter R/o Bhatu Basti, Chidambaram Colony confessed that he had brutally killed the deceased due to personal reasons.

Mayabunder, Oct 13: In order to provide effective governance at the grass root level and to ensure a responsive and people friendly administration, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Anand Prakash held a meeting with PRIs, HoDs and public in the conference hall of Zilla Parishad Office, Lucknow at Mayabunder today.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary said this meeting is being held with the sole aim of reaching out to the people at the grassroots level, to listen to their grievances and provide a logical solution to the problems faced by them in various sectors. He also congratulated the newly elected PRI members and urged them to utilize the funds provided for developmental purpose in the right earnest. He urged the PRIs to sensitize the public about the ill effects of open defecation and contribute towards a healthy and safe environment by sincerely adhering to principles of mission ‘Swachch Bharat’. The Chief Secretary also called upon the newly elected PRI representatives to highlight their developmental plans and assured the support of the Administration. He welcomed suggestions pertaining to development and grievances of the public present on the occasion.

Soon after the meeting, the Chief Secretary and the senior officials of the Administration inspected the construction works of Court Complex and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office at Lucknow.

In her address, the ZP Adhyaksha, N&M Andaman, Smt Prabhabati Biswas called upon the newly elected PRIs to work sincerely and fulfil their commitments towards the development of the district. She also highlighted the problems in the health sector, especially the non-availability of ultrasound machine, internet & road connectivity issues at Mayabunder and other areas besides water supply and sanitation issue.

In his address, the Secretary (Home/RD/PRIs), Shri N. K. Sharma said this Mini Secretariat has been organized at North & Middle Andaman for providing effective governance of the Administration at the door step of the public. He appraised the gathering of the successful meeting held at Diglipur in which various issues were sorted out on the spot. He also enlightened the newly elected PRIs of their rights and responsibilities in discharging their duties in true sprit for the welfare of the society. Matters pertaining to various issues highlighted during the meeting have been noted by the concerned HoDs and a logical suggestion will be taken and problems will be sorted out, he said.

The PCCF (WL), Shri G. N. Sinha, Secretary, (Edn), Smt Tanvi Garg, Secretary (Agri/AH/VS, Fisheries), Smt. Menaka, CCF, Smt Kala, DFO, Mayabunder, Smt Vanjulavalli Sridhar were also present on the occasion.

The meeting was followed by an interactive/grievances redressal session, wherein issues pertaining to sectors such as education, electricity, health, water connectivity, agriculture, fisheries, telecommunication, connectivity (road, bridges & ferry services), transport, forest related issues and elephant menace were highlighted by the PRIs. The Secretaries and HODs of major departments addressed the local issues and solved most issues on the spot, while the major issues/grievances requiring further examination shall be taken up consequently in a time bound manner. They also assured the support of the Administration and timely redressal of the problems highlighted by the PRIs.

Later in the evening, the Chief Secretary, accompanied by the senior officials of the Administration, Forest Department officials and the Police officials visited the old dilapidated guest house, ‘Swiftlet Nest’ situated at Karmatang village, which was inaugurated in the year 1998, and the Karmatang beach as well. The Chief Secretary issued directions to the Dy. Commissioner, N&M Andaman to take all measures to promote tourism at the Karmatang beach.

The programme was attended by the HoDs of major departments, PRIs, Zilla Parishad members, Pramukhs, Samiti members, Pradhans, ward members and general public.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman, Shri Arava Gopi Krishna welcomed the gathering and urged the PRIs to cooperate and work hand in hand with the Administration for the overall development of the N&M Andaman District.

Staff Correspondent
Rangat, Oct 13: A social worker of Rangat in Middle Andaman has urged the Lt. Governor to consider extension of convoy timings at Yerataljig and Prolobjig for the benefit of the population of the North and Middle Andaman region.

In a letter to the Lt. Governor, Mr V Senthil Kumar said that the last convoy timings at Yerataljig and Prolobjig has been fixed at 6 pm.

But for frequent delays in the boat services at Nilambur, Gandhi Ghat and Uttara, commuters fail to avail the convoy at 6 pm and are left stranded in the region.

Passenger vehicles, transport trucks can be often seen stranded at the Yerataljig camp No 3 after failing to avail the convoy at 6 pm, he said requesting for extension of convoy timing to 8.30 pm.

Further justifying the demand, Mr Senthil Kumar said that hundreds of residents of Baratang, Kadamtala, Shantanu, Uttara in Middle Andaman set off for the headquarter area, Mayabunder or Diglipur at regular intervals to attend DC Office, Revenue Offices, Court, Zilla Parishad etc for various tasks. But due to the convoy timings, the commuters are often stranded at the Yeratajig Camp No. 3 after 6 pm.

As no facilities like Hotels, Lodges etc are available in the Jarawa reserve, the passengers are forced to return to Rangat for the overnight halt spending huge money, he said urging the intervention of the Lt. Governor in the matter.

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Oct 13: The Andaman Nicobar Administration has sealed the Flat Bay Island this morning at around 10:00am. Nearly 15-16 staffs of Police Department and Revenue Department jointly went to the Flat Bay Island and fixed boards stating “this land belongs to the Revenue Department, trespassers will be prosecuted” and sealed all the huts  in the Island and asked all the workers staying in the Flat Bay to immediately leave the island.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Tanaz K. Noble, co-owner of a farm land situated at Flat Bay Village, alleged that entire process of vacating the Flat Bay Islands was illegal. “When they could not take the land from us through legal measures, they have resorted to trickery,” Miss Tanaz alleged.
“We were served a notice on Friday, the 9th of October, followed by an Order by the Deputy Commissioner at 7:00 pm the same day informing us that our land is to be evicted by the 12th or else possession of it will be taken over by the Tehsildar, Ferrargunj,” she added.
While Noble family claims that Flat Bay Island belongs to them as they have all necessary legal documents and land records, the Administration thinks otherwise and the battle over the land is continuing since last few decades.
When Contacted the Sub  Divisional Magistrate, Dr Arun Kumar Jha said that on 6th or 7th of October a hearing was conducted on the DC office, where it was decided that the Flat Bay Island belongs to the Administration and as per the DC’s instruction a notice was served to Noble family to vacate the land and as per the notice the administration took over the land today.
He further said that no one from the Noble family came to the administration asking for extension of time and this is the reason we have sealed the land as per the notice.
“Only today we got a letter that they have moved to court for a Stay but the letter was vague so the district Administration went ahead with the sealing. Regarding non availability of officers at Port Blair, everybody knows on behalf of SDM, AC Settlement looks after the charge and there was another officer who was looking after DC’s charge as well,” he clarified.

Courtesy: Aniket Bhavthankar, South Asia Monitor

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANIs) are not a part of mainland India and thus remained distant in the policy circles. In recent times, this group of 572 islands has gathered much needed attention from New Delhi. In September, India dedicated Rs. 10000 crore (US $1.54 Billion) to convert the ANIs into a maritime hub. Now, the Indian Ocean is playing a crucial role in deciding the geopolitical discourse of the world politics.

It is important to note that India created a tri-service joint theatre operational command at ANIs. The Indian intention to transform ANI into a maritime hub has two objectives; first, to strengthen the connectivity of the region with the mainland and second, to support the military installments. In this backdrop, the Indian plan to develop the ANIs gains geostrategic weight.

Out of a chain of 572 islands of the ANIs, only about 30 are inhabited. They constitute only 0.2% of India’s landmass but 30 % of country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These islands are spread across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. They are nearer to Indonesia and Myanmar than to the mainland of India. Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India is placed just 93 nautical miles from Sumatra (Indonesia). The International trading route from Singapore that connects to east-west corridor is merely 15 nautical miles from Indira point and hence the region has immense potential to emerge as an important maritime hub.

India has drawn up an ambitious plan to develop ANIs, for an integrated modernization, under its ‘Sagarmala’ initiative and take advantage of the strategic location of Andaman and Nicobar. The blue print of this ambitious plan is ready and the Union Shipping Minister, Nitin Gadkari said that projects worth Rs.2000 crore ( US $300 Million) have been already sanctioned. His ministry has prepared a 15 year plan for shipping and port infrastructure on the islands.

The plan includes, establishing an industry for repairing of ships at Port Blair, purchasing of vessels to run mainland-island services, purchasing of tugs for safe berthing and sprucing up docking capacity and port infrastructure. To encourage participation of private sector for ship repairing and port infrastructure government has adopted the ‘Swiss challenge system’.

This system allows third parties to make better offers (challenges) for a project during a stipulated period and ensures cost effectiveness. Around 23 spots have been identified for creation of ports. Besides that islands with more than two sq km in area are to be taken up for commercial activities like tourism, agriculture, fisheries and handicraft.

Ecologically, Andaman is very sensitive and government says that they have prepared an environment friendly plan. India gave paramount importance to the livelihood of indigenous Jarawa inhabitants and undertaking a comprehensive study before exploiting the potential of the region.

India has historically avoided building up forces in the islands. In 2001, India took an unprecedented step and decided to set up the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC). This is India’s first and only tri-service command. This command serves as the crucial point to engage with navies from South-East Asia. Maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief are core responsibilities assigned to this unit.

Another important responsibility entrusted on the ANC is to monitor ships passing through ten degree and six degree channels as well as ensuring freedom of navigation through Malacca, Sunda and Lombok straits. This last responsibility is very crucial from strategic and geo-economic points of view as large volume of world’s trade transiting through the Malacca Strait passes through six degree channel between island of Aceh (Indonesia) and Great Nicobar, where Indian has built its newest airbase. Here it is important to note that the Malacca Strait is an important choke point for the Chinese oil trade and India ensures safe passage for the same. The sea lanes of communications (SLOCs) in the Indian Ocean are strategically important as more than 80 % of world’s trade in oil passes through Indian Ocean choke points.

The ANC has failed to fulfil its initial promises due to lack of funds and environmental clearances for building an infrastructure. The recent plan announced by the Indian government aims to do away with the above mentioned bottlenecks and put together comprehensive framework for infrastructure development and support to military establishments.

Few months ago, Admiral Robin Dhowan, Indian Navy Chief, announced that slowly but steadily the ANC will get better equipped in terms of force-levels and infrastructure. In July 2015, after concluding exercises in South China Sea, four Indian warships arrived at Port Blair. This is indicative of the Indian strategy to counter Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean.

China has unveiled its One Road, One Belt policy (OROB) and till now India has not responded to the Chinese invitation. If India decides to join OROB then India must utilize this crucial geopolitical asset for building up power projection capabilities and make ANIs the cornerstone of India’s maritime strategy in the Bay of Bengal.

In this backdrop, India has begun to provide strategic substance to its ‘Act East’ policy with sophisticated and systematic military exercises with countries from the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. Decision to allocate Rs.10000 crore (US $1.54 Billion) for development of ANIs is a welcome development. Connectivity and building physical infrastructure is at the core of this plan.

This may be the first step in realizing potential of ANIs as the centre for capacity building and knowledge sharing on several issues in the Indian Ocean. Once capacities of ANIs are fully realized, ANC can monitor commercial and military traffic passing through the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific. The ANIs are trump cards of the Indian strategy and can emerge as the gatekeepers of the Indian Ocean.