Port Blair, Feb 06: Today, a group of 55 Ram devotees from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands set out on a pilgrimage to the sacred Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. This pilgrimage, organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, marks the first large-scale visit from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands following the consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple, a relese from Vishwa Hindu Parishad said here today.

Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Feb 01: In an effort to promote Andaman tourism at the national and international levels, prominent figures in India, including the President of India, Prime Minister of India, and even Chief Secretary of A & N Administration, have been actively involved. However, in Andaman some actions of the Tourism Department are leaving tourists deeply upset.
As per reports, today when a large number of tourists arrived at Cellular Jail, they were shocked to find a notice outside, indicating the cancellation of the light and sound show. The Notice read “Sound and Light show cancelled due to technical reason till further notice. Refund Process by Email: onlinebookingissues@gmail.com.”
According to the tourists, there was no official from the tourism department to provide explanations or guide them through the cancellation process or refund procedures. Although it was mentioned in the cancellation notice that refunds would be processed via email, this did not satisfy most of the tourists.
Frustrated and seeking refunds, many tourists approached their respective tour operators. However, tour operators claimed to be unable to facilitate refunds, citing that, in the past three months, the tourism department had not provided refunds in similar cases. This resulted in confusion and anger among the visiting tourists, especially those who were eager to witness the light and sound show on their last day in Port Blair.
The sudden decision by the tourism department to close the light and sound show left tourists deeply upset, especially considering the significant amounts of money they had spent to reach Andaman. Tourists are now blaming tour operators, while tour operators themselves are confused and clueless about the incident.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, a tour operator expressed that guests are holding them responsible for the last-minute cancellation of the light and sound show and are demanding refunds, which they are unable to provide due to the unclear refund policy of the tourism department.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Tour operators alleged that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the last three months, where the light and sound show was abruptly cancelled without providing refunds. Tourism, being one of the largest industries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has the potential to employ thousands, but such unprofessional actions by the tourism department not only disappoint tourists but also tarnish the reputation of the entire tourism sector.
Tourists outside the jail expressed their concern to Andaman Sheekha, hoping that such last-minute cancellations would be avoided in the future. They emphasized that tourists coming to Andaman and spending significant amounts of money should not have to experience such disappointments. Officials of the Tourism Department were unavailable at Cellular Jail for a comment in this regard.

 

Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Jan. 29: Mrs. Jayanti Jyothi, Up-Aadhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, N & M Andaman and Zilla Parishad Member of Kalighat, along with her supporters mounted a protest at Kalara Junction on 27th January.
According to information, the Up-Aadhyaksha along with her party (BJP) supporters and residents of the region held a dharna right on the road/NH (incomplete) at Kalara Junction and blocked the road on 27th January to press for their demand for completing an incomplete stretch of road (NH), approx. 4 km from Kalara Junction to Bamboo Tikrey which is lying reportedly in inexplicably bad condition. However, the Sub-Inspector along with other police personnel of Kalighat Police Station urged the Up-Aadhyaksha and the other demonstrators not to block the road on public interest. Mrs. Jayanti Jyothi, honouring the plea of the police officials and on consideration of public inconvenience, she freed the road and sat by the highway and continued her protest.
Mr. Rajendra Kumar BDO/Executive Magistrate, Diglipur as well as NHIDCL officials along its agency then reached the spot of agitation at around 10:00 am and met the Up-Aadhyaksha. Mrs. Jayanti Jyothi remonstrated with the officials about the deplorable condition of the incomplete stretch of road (NH) from Kalara Junction to Bamboo Tikrey which is already having a hurdle with its steepness especially at Bamboo Tikrey, while the incensed residents of the region alleged that the pipelines of a temple and a footpath in the area were reportedly badly damaged by the NHIDCL agency and that should be repaired and restored by the agency itself on priority, they demanded. In the meantime, Mrs. Suniti Halder, District President, BJP Diglipur along with her party workers reached the demonstration site to extend support in the cause.
In presence of the Executive Magistrate, the NHIDCL officials gave a written assurance that before February 15, 2024, construction of a 04 kilometer road from Kalara Junction to Bamboo Tikrey will be completed. Mrs. Jayanti Jyoti then withdrew her protest at about noon and the protesters then dispersed from the dharna site.

Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Jan 28: A resident of police line area lost his life when the wall of a half dismantled house collapsed on him, while he was reportedly extracting bricks. The disputed house, built on government land, had been served with an eviction order a few months ago, after which it was half dismantled.
Following the government directives, the occupants began dismantling the house after Christmas. As per neighbours, on 26 January morning a resident of the area reached to the spot with a spear to extract bricks, leading to an unintended collapse.
The house owner, unaware of the incident, returned by afternoon to find a collapsed wall and someone buried under it. Upon immediate notification, the police and the Station House Officer (SHO) reached the spot for an investigation. The victim was identified as Mr. Sankar Narayan Reddy, aged 56. He was rushed to GB Pant Hospital in an ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.

 

Port Blair, Jan 25: On the auspicious occasion of National Voters Day, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha along with the support of BJP State Unit and all the Morchas of BJP organized Namo Nav Matdata Sammelan in B R Ambedkar Auditorium, PBMC, Aberdeen Bazar on 25/1/2024 at 10:30 am.

In the Namo Nav Matdata Sammelan, the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi Interacted with more than 1700 New Voters from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The enthusiasm of the New Voters to hear the Prime Minister was unparalleled to any such events happened across the Islands.

In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Sammelan was graced by Mr. B L Santhosh, National General Secretary (Org) BJP, Mr. Y Satya Kumar, National Secretary, BJP, Mr. Anup Saha, MLA West Bengal Assembly and National Vice President BJYM, State Prabhari BJYM, Mr. Ajoy Bairagi, State President, BJP A & N Islands, Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member BJP, Mr. Vivek Dadhakar, State General Secretary ( Org.), Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Core Committee Member BJP and Ex MP and other State, District, Morcha, Mandal and Booth Karyakartas of Bharatiya Janata Party. The overall Incharge of the Program was Mr. Prakash Adhikari, Zilla Parishad Member Guptapara & State Vice President; he was supported by Mr. N K Udhaya Kumar, State President BJYM & Mr. Azizur Rahman, Councillor Ward No 6 & State Vice President BJYM. The communication was received from Mr. M Vinod, State Prabhari Yuva Morcha and Media Cell.

Port Blair, Jan 24: Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands today visited the Rangat area of Middle Andaman, where a devastating fire on 22nd January night wreaked havoc, gutting numerous shops and several residential houses.

During his visit, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma personally interacted with the victims of the fire incident, lending a compassionate ear to their problems. He also engaged with officials on-site to better understand the situation.

The Member of Parliament urged the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman to promptly assess the extent of damage caused by the fire incident and expedite the issuance of necessary compensation to support the affected individuals.

He requested the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman to provide temporary sheds to all 62 victims of the Rangat Fire Accidents, who are presently in a state of shock.

The Member of Parliament requested DC, N & M Andaman’s assistance in facilitating the recreation of lost government certificates for all fire victims.

He also urged the Deputy Commissioner to provide fire certificates to affected families so that they can restart their life once again.

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the Member of Parliament lauded the selfless decision of Mr. Anil Kumar, a resident of Rangat, who willingly demolished his house to prevent the fire from spreading. This courageous act resulted in safeguarding a significant area of the local bazaar from fire.

Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma also extended his appreciation to Mr. Bhumi, a contractor, who promptly mobilized excavators to carry out the demolition of Mr. Anil Kumar’s house. The bravery of four excavator drivers, Mr. B. Jagdish, Mr. Krishna, Mr. Manindra Mondal and Mr. Chandan, was also acknowledged by the Member of Parliament as they fearlessly demolished the house braving the fire, contributing to the preservation of a large portion of Rangat Bazaar.

In addition to recognizing the heroic efforts of the local community, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma applauded the tireless work of the Fire Brigade, Police Jawans, and the General Public in swiftly responding to and extinguishing the fire.

Port Blair, Jan 23: Today, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offered floral tributes to the legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the statue located in Marina Park. 23 January is observed as Parakram Diwas (Day of Valour)

The programme was also attended by the Chairperson of PBMC, Mrs. S. Selvi, many councillors, prominent citizens, members of Civil Society, media persons and the general public. The programme was organised by Mr. Abdul Islam, Councillor Ward No.4, PBMC.

In a brief interaction with the media following the tribute, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma underscored the unparalleled contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, labelling him as one of the greatest sons of the soil. He acknowledged Netaji’s extraordinary courage in fighting against colonial rule and his remarkable dedication to liberate the nation from the clutches of the British Raj.

Mr. Sharma emphasized that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s life serves as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

On 30 December 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the Tri-Colour for the first time at the Gymkhana Ground (present Netaji Stadium) in Port Blair. He also announced the Islands, the first Indian Territory in India freed from British rule.