Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 19 December 2025
The North & Middle Andaman District Police convened a Fishermen Watch Group Meeting at the Panchayat Hall, Kishorinagar, on Wednesday to enhance community-based coastal vigilance and strengthen information-sharing with frontline fishing communities.
The meeting was chaired by Ms. Shweta K. Sugathan, IPS, Superintendent of Police (District), North & Middle Andaman, and attended by Mr. Ankesh Yadav, DANIPS, SDPO Diglipur; Mr. Tapan Kumar, Assistant Director (Fisheries), N&MA; and SI Shibender Nath Halder, SHO, PS Kalighat. Pradhans, PRI members and over 50 fishermen from the region participated actively.
The initiative focused on sensitising fishermen—described as the “eyes and ears” along the coastline—about their pivotal role in coastal safety. They were urged to report suspicious vessels, movements or activities encountered during fishing to the nearest police station without delay. Officials highlighted the importance of real-time information sharing for swift and effective response to potential threats.
Participants were briefed on standard reporting protocols and assured full support and confidentiality from the police. The Superintendent of Police commended the community for their crucial assistance in a recent anti-poaching operation that resulted in the apprehension of eight Myanmarese poachers, seizure of a dinghy and recovery of around 800 kg of sea cucumber.
Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the coastline, the District Police sought continued cooperation from the fishermen community in future anti-poaching and coastal security operations.
The public has been urged to share credible information regarding criminal or illegal activities with their nearest police station or by calling 100, 112 or 03192-273344. Informers’ identities will be kept confidential and they will be suitably rewarded. (Story Based on PR)
