COVER STORY Tamilians Dread Motivated Revenge

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

COVER STORY

Tamilians Dread Motivated Revenge

Approach Home Minister for Relief

In an explosive representation made to the Home Minister, the Andaman Tamizhar Sangham, a socio-cultural organization, representing the interests of the Tamilians of the Islands for over 60 years has lambasted the ANI Admn accusing it of motivated harassment of prominent Tamil businessmen and concerted effort to root out the Tamil community of the Islands layer by layer in a planned manner.

By Zubair Ahmed

Blaming the ANI Admn for much of its plights, the representation signed by the President of Andaman Tamizhar Sangham has said that the Admn have of late been playing a highly dubious role threatening business as well as livelihood interests of the Tamil population. It further says that there seems to be a systematic attempt to eliminate the leadership layers and thereby adversely affect the livelihood avenues of the Tamil people.

It has also blamed certain vested interests with an eye on their vote-bank politics acting with a hidden agenda in collusion with certain unscrupulous elements in the AN Admn. The representation said that it is unfortunate that these elements are not duly aware of the great contributions of the Tamils for the overall development as well as for protecting the harmonious social fabric of these Islands.

On Legislative Assembly or Pradesh Council, the representation said that in the absence of an elected Legislative Assembly, which is expected to take care of the genuine problems of the people of these Islands, these vested interests are bent upon disturbing the peaceful atmosphere that has been prevailing here for over seven decades. The Sangham has put forth their demand saying that even, if it is not immediately possible to have a full-fledged Legislative Assembly, the erstwhile Pradesh Council may be revived to safeguard the genuine interests of the Islanders.

To substantiate the allegation against the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Andaman Tamizhar Sangham has highlighted various issues pertaining to suppression of Tamilian interests in these Islands.

In the representation, it said that OBC Reservation to Tamil Settlers and Permanent Inhabitants of these Islands has been denied. The officials of the Andaman Administration utterly failed to highlight before the OBC Commission the need to include Tamil Settlers in the list of OBCs. While the Admn took all efforts to include the post-1942 Bengali Settlers in the list, they deliberately denied the same facility to post-1942 Tamil settlers and the Permanent inhabitants of these Islands.

The Representation has also blamed the ANI Admn for denial of Resettlement of Tamil Settlers of Katchal Island. About 48 Sri Lankan expatriate families who were settled in Katchal Island in 1960s were made to work in a rubber plantation. Katchal Island, which falls under Tribal Reserve Area, due to which they were all along, denied a proper settlement package that was extended to all other categories of settlers. The situation has further worsened post-Tsunami, with local tribals claiming the land currently under the occupation of these Tamil Settlers as well as for their total eviction from Katchal Island.

The representation said that the Sangham has been fighting for long for their resettlement in the land available at Saithankhari, South Andaman, under the possession of Rubber Board, Kerala, which is kept unutilized for over 20 years. Though the Rubber Board had expressed its willingness in writing to surrender this land for the resettlement of the Katchal Tamil settlers, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, possibly under pressure from vested political interests, has been adopting a callous approach to this issue and failed to provide any honourable resettlement package. It is worthwhile to mention here that the Katchal Tamil Settlers now comprising of about 170 extended families, instead of taking a confrontationist stand against the tribals of Katchal Island are willing to be evacuated from their lands which have been in their occupation for over five decades. The Administration has not realized the consequences, had there been a stand-off between the tribals and the Tamil settlers.

The Sangham in its representation has also highlighted that there is motivated harassment of prominent Tamil businessmen. As many as 7 prominent businessmen from Tamil community, engaged in quarrying and construction business have been arrested and kept under judicial custody for more than 5 months, in an explosive case. Several of their applications for grant of bail have been rejected due to strong opposition from the prosecution side. Citing examples of similar cases, the representation felt it worth to mention that about 35 cases relating to similar offences are already in the court of law, and all those accused in these cases had been let out on bail within a reasonable period of time. But these 7 businessmen are not able to get bail, due to revengeful and politically motivated attitude of the authorities. ATS also fee that it is quite possible that these 7 prominent businessmen, being totally demoralized due to delay in obtaining bail, might decide to leave the Islands for good which will in turn adversely affect the livelihood of about 1000 Tamil labourers working under them and their families.

The Sangham has also accused the Administration of motivated attempts at ethnic cleansing by targeting the Tamil population and those businesses run by them. Sea sand quarrying, which was mainly controlled by Tamil businessmen, has been totally banned for the last two years. Similarly, several crusher operators, who happen to be Tamilians, have been denied renewal of their licenses in the name of pollution control, even though they have complied with all the norms stipulated for the same. Several high-value tenders successfully bid by prominent Tamil businessmen have been cancelled citing vague reasons, thereby causing huge loss and mental agony to them. ATS also has highlighted that with the proposed move to introduce A&N Islands (Restriction on Entry and Residence) Regulation 2006, there is a possibility of all non-tribal and non-OBC population of these Islands losing their property and residence rights, wherein the Tamil population would be the most affected.

The Sangham in the representation has reiterated that it believes that there is a concerted effort by the A & N Administration, with undue pressure from vested political interests to root out the Tamil community of these Islands layer by layer in a planned manner. It has also made apprehensions that a situation may arise wherein the entire Tamil population of these Islands would have to face forced migration back to mainland. The Sangham has also warned about protests and rallies, if such oppressive measures against the community are not immediately stopped by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, which might disturb the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the Islands.

The ATS has requested the Home Minister to impress upon the ANI Admn to desist from bowing to pressure from vested interests and intimidating Tamil population who have made and are still making significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the Islands.

Speaking to LOA, A K Bhojarajan, President, Andaman Tamizhar Sangham said that thousands of labourers are approaching the Organisation seeking assistance as they are without wages for months now. He also said that it has now proven beyond doubt that the huge cache of explosives were meant for illegal quarrying and not for any terrorist activity, and the accused should be charged accordingly and they may be let on bail.

Home Minister Visits ATR

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

Home Minister Visits ATR

By Staff Reporter

The Home Minister P Chidambaram on the final day of his visit met the villagers of Sippighat and Tushnabad and also drove along Andaman Trunk Road upto Chowdhary Gumai, where the controversial Jarawa Dance Video was shot. From reliable sources, it has been learnt that he interacted with the ground staff of AAJVS and discussed various issues related with Jarawas. It is learnt that he was of the view that tourism on Andaman Trunk Road should be stopped.

He did not disturb the Jarawas and refused to meet them. He had also met the ground staff of AAJVS separately and sought their suggestions about the future course of action regarding Jarawas. Later speaking to the media he had made it clear that the Govt has no plans imposing anything on Jarawas.

Gram Sudhar Demands Relief for Tsunami Affected Farmers

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

Gram Sudhar Demands Relief

for Tsunami Affected Farmers

By Staff Reporter

Gram Sudhar Sangham in a letter addressed to P Chidambaram, Home Minister had requested to release the relief amount sanctioned by Home Ministry to the tsunami affected farmers without further delay. The letter also praised the Lieutenant Governor for taking keen interest to ensure that the farmers get the relief immediately. It also said that political conference of the Congress party held in December 2011 in which many dignitaries including Dr Shakeel Ahmed, General Secretary AICC has also passed a resolution under the leadership of the Congress President, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma considering the gravity of the situation.

ACCI Delegation Meets HM: Demands Investment in Infrastructure

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

ACCI Delegation Meets HM:

Demands Investment in Infrastructure

By Staff Reporter

The Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry also met the Home Minister, P Chidambaram and submitted a memorandum highlighting various issues faced by the trade industry.

It requested the Home Minister to keep Andaman Trunk road open and develop it as the road provides connectivity to Northern group of Islands. It also requested that to protect the tribals as well as for environmentally sustainable development, Buffer Zone needs to be reduced to 8 mtrs from the existing 5 kms.

On Coastal Regulatory Zone, the representation said that some of the clauses of Island Protection Zone are extremely stringent which includes increasing the No Development Zone from 50 mtrs to as much as 500 mtrs in certain cases. It said that the notification was prepared without considering the objections and inputs from Andaman and Nicobar Administration, let alone discussion with the stake-holders and general public. The Chamber felt that continuation of IPZ would be extremely detrimental to the development of the Islands, especially the tourism sector which is one of the thrust areas of Government of India. The Chamber strongly opposed the IPZ and requested to immediately withdraw/repeal the notification.

The Chamber has also requested for substantial investments in airports, ports, roads, bridges, power, water, public transport especially in shipping by the Governemnt for providing a right platform to the private sector to invest.

ACCI has also demanded to make substantive changes and reforms in the archaic Andaman and Nicobar Islands Land Revenue and Land Reforms Regulation, 1966 in consonance with the present day requirements to provide a right climate for investments. It has also requested to do away with the present sale permission, ownership of land, purchase/sale of flats in buildings.

Highlighting the plight of construction industry, ACCI has demanded to prepare long term policies and put in place to ensure that atleast quarry products and timber from the forest department required for internal consumption are made available in the Islands.

The Chamber has also requested to reconsider the Restricted Area Permit and Work Permit for foreigners, which is presently 30 days, which under current circumstances to promote tourism should be increased to a minimum of 90 days. Further long term RAPs need to be given for foreigners being employed in the Islands in certain areas like Adventure sports, scuba diving and game fishing.

It also requested to improve air connectivity and establish international air connectivity with South East Asia not only for promotion of tourism but to provide relief to the people of the Islands from exorbitant airfare being charged by the airlines. It also suggested to advice the Civil Aviation Ministry to make Route Dispersal Guidelines making it mandatory for all airlines to operate to the Islands.

The representation said that agriculture is not remunerative sector in the Islands and hence, there is a need to allow diversion of land for commercial, industrial and housing projects. It felt that this will accelerate the flow of investments by the private sector. Saying that currently diversion of land is not only restrictive but time consuming, it demanded the Administration to put in place a fast track procedure for allowing diversion of land for bona fide projects that will go a long way in encouraging investment and generating employment.

Andaman Chamber of Commerce has also demanded for establishment of Legislative Assembly/Pradesh Council in order to have a better democratic decision making process.

PC in Political Mode

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

PC in Political Mode

By Staff Reporter

P Chidambaram, Home  Minister surprised everyone by switching on to political mode and showering promises, playing to the gallery at the meeting organized by the State Congress Committee at Gandhi Bhawan premises on 21 January.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have recorded a growth of 10 percent, said P Chidambaram addressing Congress workers at Gandhi Bhawan Complex. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which lies 1200 kms away from India is as much a part of India as any other state, he said. It is the duty of the Centre to look after the needs of the 3.9 lakh population here. He said that ANI has always received special attention of the Central Government led by United Progressive Alliance led by Sonia Gandhi.

P Chidambaram praised the memorandum submitted by the Congress State President and  said that he doesn’t have to go through all the representations and memorandums submitted by various political parties and organisations, as the representation of Congress has covered all issues.

On the 2004 tsunami, he said that the first challenge was to rebuild the areas hit by the disastrous tsunami and as Finance Minister during that time; Chidambaram said that sufficient fund was allocated by the Centre. Expressing satisfaction over completion of rehabilitation work, he said that except carpeting of 4.8 km road and distribution of compensation package to the farmers whose lands are submerged, tsunami rehabilitation programme has been fully completed.

He also promised that the plan size for the Islands will be increased by 30% and about Rs 1400 crores will be allocated next year onwards.

Taking a dig on the present Member of Parliament, he said that no one is happy with the sitting MP and he does not command any support. Congratulating the state Congress party over their victory in all Panchayati Raj and Local Self Government Bodies, he said that there is a small gap, which the party should fill in the 2014 General Elections.

Speaking about the performance of the Party in various states going to polls soon, he said that out of 5 states, Congress is in a comfortable position in 4 states.

On Compensation for Tsunami affected farmers, he said that he is aware of the issue and fund has already been provided to the ANI Admn. He said that 95% of the affected farmers are willing to accept the financial compensation package and the party should work to convince the remaining so that the fund can be disbursed before 31st March 2012. He also assured that the Government has no plans for acquisition of the submerged land.

On the issue of Andaman Trunk Road and Buffer Zone, he said that both are complicated issues and will have to be dealt legally in Supreme Court. However, he said that the Government has gone on appeal. He also assured that the Buffer Zone Regulations will be amended once again.

On ATR, he also said that some NGOs are demanding closure of the road, however, the lives of lakhs of settlers will be affected. He said that the interest of the 3.9 Lakh population as well as the tribals are paramount for Government of India and Congress Party.

Expressing happiness over the improvement of Jarawa tribe, he said that after 2001, Jarawa population has increased by 50% and they are getting the benefits of modern medicine and other facilities. He also said that we should allow Jarawas to mainstream at their own pace.

On the issue of connectivity, he said that despite huge subsidy in Shipping services, the journey is not comfortable. He said that more aircrafts should ply to the Islands, which will make the fare affordable. On subsidizing airfare, he assured that he is looking into the issue.

On Education and Health, he said that there are not enough seats, although aspirations are very high. Medical colleges with private participation are the only solution to the issue.

He also assured that a special meeting of all concerned ministries will be convened to look into the various issues raised by the party. He also said that most of the decisions would be taken before the month of April as he is planning another visit in April, when he would visit North and Middle Andaman District.

Earlier, Kuldeep Rai Sharma welcomed P Chidambaram and also highlighted various issues of the Islands and submitted a memorandum.

PC in Home Minister Mode

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

PC in Home Minister Mode

By Staff Reporter

Ban on Recruitments:

"There is a general restriction as per the guidelines on employment but there is no general ban on creating posts. We are creating new posts for the Directorate of Disaster Management for Andaman and Nicobar Islands," said P Chidambaram, speaking to the press at Raj Niwas on 23rd Jan 2012.

NPR and Aadhar Controversy:

On the controversy around Aadhar and NPR, he said that NPR is mandated by an Act, mandatory for residents of India and issued by Registrar General of India. He said that there is no dispute with Aadhar and we support Aadhar. The only contention is about the authority of capturing bio-metric data.

No Influx in the Islands:

The issue of population influx and the demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit, which features in many representations made to the Home Minister has been laid to rest with P Chidambaram refuting the issue saying that as per Census 2011, there is only gradual growth of population in the Islands and there is no influx of population. Hence, he felt that there is no need for implementation of Inner Line Permit.

On ATR and Buffer Zone:

The Supreme Court has ordered closure of two stretches of Andaman Trunk Road - 43 kms and 13 kms, which will divide the road into three bits. Various suggestions are made by different organisations. However, in the light of the case in subjudice, it won't be prudent to make a comment on this issue. He further said that no feasibility study has been conducted for an alternate route. On Buffer Zone, he said that the Regulation was made as per the requirement of protection of Jarawa tribe. Since the matter is in court, I will not comment on it.

On Mainstreaming of Jarawas:

Mainstreaming is a complex issue and is misunderstood. Jarawas are a very old tribe. If the Jarawas want something, its for them to decide. The Government of India's policy is that Jarawas should decide their own pace and it may take many years. He also said that nothing will be imposed upon them by the Govt.

On Alternative Land for Tsunami-affected Farmers:

As there is acute shortage of revenue land, and about 95% of land is under forest cover and other similar categories, it won't be possible to provide alternative land to the tsunami affected farmers. As Tsunami was a natural disaster, it is the obligation of the Government to provide compensation. P Chidambaram said that an overwhelming majority of the affected farmers are willing to accept the compensation package of Rs 9.39 lakhs per hectare, he appealed all political parties through the media to convince the remaining farmers and take the compensation. He also assured that the government has no plans of acquisition of the submerged land.

On Soaring Airfare:

P Chidambaram made it very clear that airfares are fixed by the airlines and government has no control over it. He also said that there is subsidy on ship tickets between Island-Mainland sector. However, he said that if the number of flights increases the fares will naturally come down. On stretcher patients' airfare he said that it is also decided by the airlines. It doesn't matter whether UPA or NDA is in power.

On CSC and Privatisation:

He said that Common Service Centre (CSC) is a project of Ministry of IT and part of e-governance and is run on PPP mode, and it has nothing to do with privatisation. With no. of CSCs it would provide employment to the people of the Islands.

On Assembly for the Islands

Home Minister P Chidambaram said that at present there is no proposal for an Assembly for the Islands.

On Lokayukta for Union Territories:

Let a strong Lokpal Bill be passed by the Government and the government will think about the authority for the Union Territories.

On Container Trans-shipment Port in Campbell Bay:

He said that it is just an idea, which needs vigorous study. Such projects require thousands of crores of rupees and should require careful study.

On Medical College for the Islands:

He said that there are lots of issues which are being sorted out for medical college in the Islands.

He also spoke about the proposed Food Security Act and the proposal for free ration to police personnel.

Quest for Kalapathar

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

Quest for Kalapathar

By Francis N Xavier

Giant trees rose on either side of the narrow trail as it snaked through the tropical forest forming a thick canopy overhead. Huge lianas hung down from their branches like pythons.  A few rays of sunlight filtered through the dense foliage.  There was a chill in the air although it was midday.  Everything was eerily silent except for an occasional shrill call of a parrot or the drumming of a woodpecker.  The trail seemed endless as it dipped and rose and again dipped into the evergreen forest.

I have trekked up Mount Harriet many times.  Once it was to escort a British High Commissioner to India, who wanted to witness the sunset from the peak, just like Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India, who was killed by a convict on his way down.  A notice announced that a trail led down to 'Kala Pathar' or Black Rock. Another went down to Madhuban, the place where the Forest Department elephants went to school.    But I never went beyond the bungalow at the top.

When Prof. Clare Anderson, Professor of History in the University of Leicester told me that she was looking for some 'graffiti' on Kala Pathar I was not interested. How could some graffiti, written more than a hundred years ago, be still there on a rock! But that would be a nice trek, and an opportunity to watch some rare birds. We set out in the morning. Along came Zubair Ahmed, my journalist friend.

An excited Prof. Clare blazed the trail. Behind her walked Zubair, stick in hand. I brought up the rear.  What appeared an easy trek in the beginning became tedious when we started climbing a steep rise.  The loneliness made it more arduous.  The frail professor walked with an easy step, but my bad knee was giving me trouble, and I started doubting the wisdom of trekking all the way to a black rock and look for some graffiti mentioned in the letter of pastor to his daughter Prof Clare had dug out in the British Library. 

Prof Clare has found in some manuscripts in the British Library a letter written by one Rev. Warneford to his daughter Maud on 4th  May 1876.  It read, "Went to the 'rock' at Mt. Harriet and cut out your name MAUD  about 4 inches long near Ms Stewart's.  Reggie's is also there and the mark of the bullet he fired from my rifle into the tree at the side of the rock".   It was clear that many British families stayed in the bungalows on the top of Mt. Harriet during the hot season.  They would explore the forest and shoot pigeons.  But a visit to the 'Rock' to cut one's name has not been mentioned anywhere in the records or the books I have read.

After what seemed an eternity a noisy group of trekkers overtook us. They were also going to Kala Pathar for a picnic.  It was great relief to have some company.  At least the rock was there, if not the graffiti.  Prof Clare increased her pace as she sensed we were approaching the rock.  A sudden shout announced that she had found what she was looking for.  " I found it! - the graffiti! - its there!", an excited Clare said. When I reached the rock a little later I couldn't believe my eyes. In front of us, was a huge black rock, worn smooth by the weather, but with not just WARNEFORD but many more names cut into its surface.      

The most prominent name was 'WARNEFORD', with the year 1876 below it.  A little above it, in a corner was inscribed 'F. BARTON'. On the other side of the rock I found two names, 'N. BALAGOOROO' and 'C. RAMANOOJOOLOO' obviously south Indian. Beyond them, where the rock face fell away into a deep chasm, was carved HMS RIFLEMAN, and a date, 1869.  Other inscriptions that didn't make any sense to me were the initial K.C.C. with the date 2-3-1885 and some Urdu words.  There might be more graffiti on the other side but it was too risky, and the more recent graffiti, in paint and chalk, covered the old ones. It appeared that part of the rock might have broken off and fallen into the chasm below.  The picnic party spoke of the Japanese using the rock to push people to their death during their occupation of the islands.

Just as we turned to go I noticed another set of initials cut deep into the rock. They were large, very neatly carved, and seemed familiar. 'F R de W'  rang a bell.  Both Prof Clare and I blurted out at the same time the full name of the person, Lt. F. R. de Wolski of the Royal Engineers, the officiating Executive Engineer of the settlement.  I was suddenly reminded of the big fight that took place between Lt. Wolski and Capt. W.B. Birch, one of the Assistant Superintendents. The epic war of demi-official letters between the two became the talk of the town in the Port Blair of 1876. 

In the stultified environment of the budding penal colony both men jockeyed for position. Birch won; Wolski was suspended for insubordination and transferred. That was a long story.  But what made Wolski come and carve his name into Kala Pathar? I wondered.  We couldn't find Maud's name. Balagooroo and Ramanoojooloo must have been some kind of petty officers. HMS Rifleman was the guard ship at Port Blair. Did the crew of the ship come up for a picnic? Several questions rose in our minds as we started walking back.  Perhaps another visit would reveal some more names.  But the thought of going up again through the leech-infested forest was not really exciting, at least for the present.   

PAUPER’S LOG: Social Speak

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

PAUPER’S LOG

Social Speak

By Abu Arsh

Nobody can deny that Facebook has altered the landscape of social interaction, particularly among young people, we are just now starting to see solid psychological research demonstrating both the positives and the negatives, Young adults who spend more time on Facebook are better at showing "virtual empathy" to their online friends. Online social networking can help introverted adolescents learn how to socialize behind the safety of various screens, ranging from a two-inch smartphone to a 17-inch laptop. Apart from social interaction on varied issues Social Networking media like Twitter, Facebook, My space, Google+ and others have given us a medium to get to know and hear about issues as and when they happen and get into discussions offering our views on them. 

Every issue that our society faces is like a link of a chain. Each issue is connected to another, either directly or indirectly. The chain of issues in this society that we live in, the strongest links of that chain are illiteracy and ignorance. Illiteracy and ignorance is the mother of all issues as it gives birth to many other issues like poverty, unemployment, child labour, female foeticide, population burst and many more.

Of late, it is heartening to note the number of Islanders flocking to offer their views on e-groups administered by local media like The Light of Andamans, Andaman Chronicle, Andaman Sheekha on facebook and others like Andamanicobar yahoogroups or a recent entrant like our very own MP's facebook e-group. There are no holds bar opinions on issues concerning our Islands and its future. This gives an insight into the pulse of the people and good feedback to the media, officials or politicians on developmental or other issues and policies. There were days when a newspaper would perish or news would die down without any impact, despite reporting a sinister crime being committed by the officials, politician, trader or a habitual criminal. Those days are history today.

People have got voices now, especially the young; be it from the confines of their drawing room or study. The true face of a politician, a bureaucrat, an entrepreneur or an antisocial is exposed in no time. A detailed postmortem of a statement or an action takes only a few minutes after a thread is posted. Great views emerge and everybody is at a liberty to either buy it or take a walk.

There are times when the righteous would have been cyber bullied by small time politicians or messiahs of offenders as being intellectuals. The Jarawa issue at a time was untouchable by many on the pretext of being anti- development. Nobody would have cared two hoots if the question papers were leaked or an official's mediocre son would have got A grades. A spoilt brat would have been caught and let off over speeding or is found with contraband grass. Environmental degradation would have gone unnoticed. A multi-crore vessel would be tethered in one corner waiting till eternity for the first lady to crack the Champagne. Hon'ble Ministers would have come and gone unnoticed and those who interact would have offered pathetic contradictions, Godfathers would have considered themselves above law. Bureaucrat's merrymaking and laid back holiday mode would be on their walls as a trophy. Selfish or self- centered individuals would offer pale justifications for their point of view. A misleading and divisive quote by an official or a politician would have gone unquestioned.

Not anymore. Every thread is retrievable if need be to set the record straight. Cyber world has become a great leveler. The young speak their mind and garner support from all quarters. Scribes have become confident and more forthright. Oppression is not tolerated. People have become very expressive and opinionated. Bluff and blabber is reprimanded and sanity restored. The islands can boast of its own social networking site too as "Community of Andamanis'. Good going indeed for an island which still has long way to go before it can come on the national radar. To be well informed is to be branded an intellectual, so be it; better than being an ignorant moron. Guys keep up the good work and scribes at media would keep clicking the 'Like' button and bell the fat cat.

EDITORIAL: Media Tribe Needs Mainstreaming

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

EDITORIAL

Media Tribe Needs Mainstreaming

The media in the Islands have at many occasions drawn flak for its misdemeanors. The recent press meet with Home Minister P Chidamabaram reiterated the need for mainstreaming of the media tribe in the Islands. The media in the Islands are an idiosyncratic mix of small-scale politicians and retired government servants. There are very few exceptional cases, where trained and qualified journalists struggle to sustain their newspapers. Their voices get silenced in the battle cry of the politicians who come to press meets with their political and personal agenda.

The media was time and again reminded about their role by PC, when instead of questions they started discussions and suggestions. One 'scribe', a retired government servant started reading from a diary, without any introduction or question. PC interrupted him many times asking him to poise questions. On airfare and other issues, the scribes started to discuss and put forth suggestions, which were not acceptable to PC.

The media which should do their own investigations and get a grasp of issues in most cases forget their role and convert press meets into discussion forums. A question which shocked many was when a scribe complained that the Administration does not take cognizance of issues highlighted by them, which itself was self-explanatory about the quality of media we have in the Islands. No doubt, the media in the Islands looks outside to the national media and they have always felt that they are in sordid isolation.

Objective reporting and subjective analysis - both keep the news as well as the debates alive. Unfortunately, when media turns into a forum for character assassinations and a tool for self-aggrandizement, it becomes laughing stock and journalism takes a backseat.

Despite various limitations, independent media in the Islands can still bring forth many hidden stories to limelight. It can be a watchdog on various governmental schemes and projects. Instead of doing independent investigations into the fact of successful completion of Tsunami Rehabilitation Projects (TRP), it seems quite satisfied with the reports and press notes issued by the Administration.

In the absence of a democratic system of governance, media has a vital role to play in the Island territory. It could act as an opposition and dig the facts out instead of gobbling down whatever the Administration provides.

There are clear-cut variations in the format of a daily newspaper, weekly, fortnightly and monthly magazines. But, the differences are hardly visible in the format and style of journalism in the Islands.

A little bit of training in the basics of journalism would go a long way or the coming generations will also follow the beaten path, and the wish for a constructive and objective media will always remain a pipedream.

The media tribe truly deserves mainstreaming or it will remain in permanent isolation, which is not a good sign at this stage of journalism in these Islands, when demand for a democratic setup is catching pace.

Civil Rights Protection Forum Formed

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

Civil Rights Protection
Forum Formed

By Staff Reporter

Every Citizen of the country has been bestowed with rights through the Constitution of Indian on the Republic Day in 1950.  This was the Day in fact when the Citizens became free whereas the nation was geographically freed on Independence Day.  But despite the Constitutional Rights and other privilege and rights offered by the Government to its people, the common people are deprived of the same due to vested interests of bureaucrats, politicians and other related elements.  Realizing this fact group of some like-minded people came together to form a body christened as "Civil Rights Protection Forum".  They met a number of times and after drafting its bye-laws and Memorandum of Association for its registration launched the Forum on 26th January, 2012.  Engineer T.K Krishnamooty, Dy. Chief Engineer, AHW, who is an authority on Right to Information Act in the islands as on special invitee interacted with the members and appealed to them to act truly for the underprivileged and needy citizen and to achieve the aims and objectives of the Forum.  The members vowed that 'they can and they shall bring a positive change in the Society'.

The Forum has unanimously elected Retd. Dy.S.P Nageshwar Rao as its President and Social Activist Smti. Kesar Devi as Vice President.  Basudev Dass a media person and Social activist is the General Secretary with Arvind Rai Sharma, Social activist as Joint Secretary.  The fund and cash will be taken care of by Dr. Misri Lall, CMO (SAG) (Retd.).

The Forum has people from all walks of society including engineers, doctors, businessmen, lawyers, mariners, agriculturist, bureaucrats etc.

Once registered the Forum will begin with awareness campaign all over the islands to make the citizens responsive of their Rights and duties to make an empowered citizen in the islands territory.

Bambooflat-Chatham Bridge: Demand Intensifies

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 25 | 27 JAN 2012

Bambooflat-Chatham Bridge: Demand Intensifies

By Staff Reporter

The demand for a bridge connecting Bambooflat with Chatham was a common point in most of the memoranda submitted to the Home Minister. It was part of the agenda of all major political parties and Pachayati Raj Institutions. Bambooflat Bridge Forum, a group strongly pursuing the matter at various levels has been approaching political parties and others to take up the issue.

In a representation addressed to the Home Minister, the Bambooflat Bridge Forum as well as Humane Touch has highlighted the plight of about 15000 commuters who depend on the erratic and insufficient ferry service to commute between Bambooflat and Port Blair.

Port Blair, the capital city is the hub of all citizen centric services like the lone referral GB Pant Hospital, A&N Administration Secretariat, LG/CS/Deputy Commissioners Office, Civil Courts, Directorates of all Offices, Schools, Colleges, Polytechnic, ITI, Business Establishments, Shops, Sports facilities etc and that a good number of people form the rural South Andaman i.e, Ferrargunj Tehsil need to visit Port Blair to avail one or the other services, including employment on daily basis.

The representation said that Ferrargunj Tehsil is the second most populated after Port Blair Tehsil of South Andaman district.  About 15000 passengers - comprising students, office-goers, patients, Industrial workers - and more than a thousand vehicles, both two-wheelers and four wheelers commute between Bambooflat and Chatham.

In a joint representation by Humane Touch, it blamed the Andaman & Nicobar administration, which has miserably failed to cater to the need and requirements of these passengers. In the name of augmenting the vehicle ferry services, the Directorate of Shipping Services has procured a number of boats, which has not been put into services due to reasons best known to the authorities. The boat service is frequently disrupted due to technical snag in the boats which currently ply on this route, thus causing irreparable loss of time to the citizens.

With time, there has been enormous increase in the numbers of passengers and Vehicles as well.  The ferry services operated by Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) with subsidized rate could hardly meet the demands of the increased commuters.  Capacity wise the ferries are inadequate and routinely irregular.  The commuters waste precious time waiting for their turn to get accommodated in ferry and cross over to Chatham.  Parents especially those of school going children are forced to migrate to Port Blair so that their child's precious time is not wasted waiting for ferry which they could concentrate on studies.  Often patients referred to GB Pant for specialized treatment could be seen gasping for life, waiting for the ferry.

It also blamed that DSS has badly failed to deliver the service for which they are in place. Moreover, there is no scope for putting additional ferries in the route as there is only one Jetty on each side.  There is one ferry almost every half an hour during the peak time.  Given the windy conditions and passenger ferries apart from vehicle ferry plying in the route, existing jetties are already saturated leaving no scope for introduction of additional ferry in between. On many occasion, the ferries hover for want of berthing place.

The Forum strongly advocated that there is no alternative left but to construct a bridge connecting Bambooflat to Chatham. It also felt that construction of a bridge will solve the problem faced by the rural South Andaman once and for all. It also believes that this move will in-turn prove beneficial in many ways.

Quoting the Supreme Court verdict for the closure of ATR from Jirkatang to Middle Strait and the alternate proposed ATR via Shoal Bay, the forum has demanded for a bridge which will serve as the main life line for North- Middle Andaman in this context if the Bridge connecting Bambooflat- Chatham is built.

 The bridge, it believes will provide seamless connectivity and prove to be a life line for the entire population residing in the rural South Andaman including those who are referred from Rangat, Mayabunder or Diglipur area for specialized treatment at GB Pant Hospital Port Blair, thereby raising the quality of life.

On the tourism front, the forum highlighted that the locations like Mount Harriet, North Bay and the lesser known Shoal Bay could be promoted thereby increasing employment potential and the tourism industry will get the much needed boost in rural South Andaman as well.

The bridge would also motivate population to migrate to the rural South Andaman, which will help in decongesting the already chocked Port Blair city, the memorandum said.

Huge revenue spent on procurement, maintenance and operational cost on large fleet of boats and revenue loss due to enormous amount of subsidy being rendered to commuters. The whole loss incurring as on date could be a revenue generator if a bridge comes to existence in the said route. The cost incurred for construction of such bridge could be retrieved by imposing toll-tax as being followed in mainland.

Such a bridge could last for at-least 100 to 150 years as compared to boats/ships  each of which  costs crores of rupees and runs on enormous amount of  HSD, stock of which is ever depleting and is certain to dry up sooner or later.

The forum has already approached the Administration to seriously look into the imminent need of the rural population and sought their intervention to initiate a study without further delay. Political parties like Congress and BJP and Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman has also raised this issue.