Rohit Kumar
Campbell Bay, 03 July 2023
In a recent development, the decision to transfer 15 feared gangsters from jails in North Indian States to the serene Andaman and Nicobar Islands has sparked controversy and opposition from the Hindu Rastra Sakthi (HRS). The State President of HRS expressed concern over the decision and voiced strong opposition to the move.
In a letter addressed to the Union Home Secretary, the State President of HRS stated, “The Andaman and Nicobar Islands represent a mini India. Unfortunately, the Islanders have been grappling with the issue of illegal drugs, which the concerned authorities have failed to effectively curb. Drugs find their way to the islands through both air and sea routes. Despite the efforts of the states of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, these substances continue to infiltrate our community.”
The State President further highlighted the potential risks that the Islanders might face if the 15 gangsters are indeed transferred to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Quoting a local saying, the letter emphasized that “one rotten fish can spoil the entire pond.” Recent data shared by the Health Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands revealed a concerning trend, with an increase in cases of HIV, drug abuse, and suicide. According to the data, the number of HIV cases rose from 65 in 2014-15 to 140 in 2021-22, and further to 144 in 2022-23.
In light of these alarming statistics and the potential risks to public safety, the HRS urged the Union Home Secretary to reconsider the decision and withdraw the plan to shift the 15 gangsters to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the interest of the Islanders’ well-being.