Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 12 July 2025
In a strong escalation, the Small Traders Association (STA), Campbell Bay has issued a formal letter dated 11th July 2025, declaring their intention to observe a complete and indefinite Bandh from July 14. The decision comes in response to what the association calls a “non-satisfactory” response from the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) regarding direct cargo transportation to Great Nicobar.
In the letter addressed to the Hon’ble Member of Parliament and the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, the STA expressed deep disappointment over the outcome of a virtual conference held on July 11 with the Deputy Director of DSS. During the meeting, DSS officials informed the traders that the vessel M.V. Swaraj Dweep could not sail directly to Campbell Bay due to the non-availability of a Tug Boat required for berthing at the Deep Water Wharf.
Instead, the DSS proposed deploying M.V. Chuglam, which is currently stationed at Chowra and is expected to take over 8-9 days to reach Campbell Bay after making multiple stops at Kamorta and Katchal. Once, it reaches Campbell Bay, the vessel will have to return to Sri Vijaya Puram and again sail back for Campbell Bay. The STA rejected this as impractical and time-consuming, emphasizing the urgent need for a direct and timely cargo solution. They also pointed out that earlier verbal assurances had indicated that M.V. Swaraj Dweep would be deployed within 2–4 days.
The explanation regarding the tug boat seems like an excuse. The livelihood of the entire trading community is at stake, the association expressed in the letter.
The announcement of the indefinite bandh from July 14 follows a Bandh and Chakka Jam observed on July 9, 2025, at Campbell Bay by the STA. That protest saw widespread participation from local traders and disrupted both commercial activity and vehicular movement across the region. The action was aimed at pressing the administration to expedite cargo movement to the remote southernmost island.
The protest was suspended after the Assistant Commissioner of Campbell Bay visited the protest site and assured the traders of all possible efforts to schedule cargo transportation at the earliest.
However, the virtual meeting that followed, failed to meet the expectations of the protesting traders, prompting them to issue the letter and announce the next phase of agitation.
The STA has urged the Member of Parliament and senior officials of the administration to intervene urgently and ensure direct sailing of M.V. Swaraj Dweep to Campbell Bay. With essential supplies dwindling and commercial operations hampered, the association warned that any further delay may lead to a prolonged shutdown in Campbell Bay.
