Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 March 2023
Mr. E S Rajesh, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Campbell Bay, has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration explaining the residents’ grievance following the restrictions imposed on the travel of non-locals to Great Nicobar Island.
Andaman and Nicobar Administration recently imposed certain restrictions on the travel of non-locals to Great Nicobar. The restrictions have still not been publicly announced but are being enforced.
Mr. Rajesh informed the Chief Secretary that the residents have complained that ship tickets for travel from Port Blair to Campbell Bay are being issued to residents of Great Nicobar only, having valid Islander Card/Local Certificate of Campbell Bay.
He further mentioned that people coming from mainland to meet their relatives, workers employed in agriculture, shops, construction etc. at Campbell Bay are not being allowed to travel to Campbell Bay.
He further mentioned that some permanent residents who do not possess Islander Cards have also been stopped from travelling to Great Nicobar. He mentioned that some residents who are working in Great Nicobar Island and proceeded to mainland and left their families behind in Great Nicobar, are facing problems in returning back to the Island.
He mentioned that families of such workers are approaching the PRIs to resolve the issue.
He also mentioned that it is understood that the Administration must have taken the decision for some viable reason, but the difficulties faced by the general public was not considered. He also mentioned that the public in Great Nicobar is in panic.
He requested the Chief Secretary to look into the issue and take appropriate action to resolve the issue of the people of Great Nicobar Island.