Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 05 August 2022
Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee today called for a protest against the hike in prices of many essential commodities, particularly pulses, edible oil, LPG, Petrol, Diesel and also the issue of unemployment. Congress workers said that the price rise has been accelerated by an unjustifiable increase in GST by the Central Government.
ANTCC had planned to protest in front of Raj Nivas and the leaders were informed that the protest will start at Gandhi Bhavan and will reach Raj Nivas via Gandhi Statue and Clock Tower.
Heavy police deployment was made throughout the area. The police barricaded the Congress Office Exit, but the protestors broke the barricading and sat on the road in front of Gandhi Bhavan and shouted slogans against the Central Government.
Later the protestors moved towards Gandhi Statue and tried to proceed towards the Clock Tower. Police had heavy barricading near Tiranga Park and the protestors tried breaking down the barricades, but later sat on the road and started protesting.
A large number of Congress Workers participated in the protest including Mr. Rangalal Halder, President ANTCC, Mr. TSG Bhasker, Campaign Committee President, ANTCC, Mr. Abdul Aziz, President, DCC, South Andaman, Mr. Mohd Zubair, President, City Congress and other prominent leaders.
Senior officials of the police also reached the spot of the protest as protestors insisted on marching to Raj Nivas and were trying to break the barricading.
Heavy deployment of police was soon throughout the area. The protest was called off at about 06:00 Pm.