Port Blair, Jan 16: The Andaman and Nicobar Police marked another historic milestone with the celebration of its 72nd Raising Day, commemorating the illustrious history of the force. This significant occasion recalls the appointment of Mr. Naushirwan Feroz Sauntook, a distinguished IPS Officer, as the First Superintendent of Police for the A&N Islands on January 16, 1953. Since that momentous day, January 16 has been dedicated as the "Police Raising Day" of the Andaman & Nicobar Police.
The highlight of the celebration was the grand parade held on January 16, 2024, at the Police Lines Parade Ground. The event showcased the disciplined and professional personnel of the A&N Police, with a splendid display of precision, turnout and unity.
Distinguished guests, including the Chief Guest, the Director-General of Police, Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS and several high-ranking officers (both from Civil Administration/Forest and A&N Command), graced the occasion. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Deputy Inspector General Shri Sanjay Tyagi, IPS, Deputy Inspector General, Ms. Monika Bhardwaj, IPS, Deputy Inspector General, Ms. Varsha Sharma, IPS from the Police Department, Chief of Staff R ADM Sandeep Sandhu from Andaman Nicobar Command and Shri Neeraj Tiwari, IG, Indian Coast Guard, among others. Their presence brought honor and distinction to the parade, reflecting the synergy and collaboration between the Police and other departmental functionaries of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The Raising Day Parade was followed by the Prize Distribution Ceremony for the category of ‘Best Police Station’ recognizing outstanding contributions to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of the community, in which PS Swaraj Dweep took the top honour for the Best Police Station. PS Billiground and PS Campbell Bay secured the second and third positions. Pertinently, this award has been introduced for the first time, to enhance healthy competition for better public service delivery and Citizen Centric Policing.
In a special segment of the ceremony, Director-General (DG), Home Guards, Govt. of India Discs were also presented to eight Regular Home Guards, acknowledging their unwavering dedication and significant contributions in day-today duties.
The Director-General of Police, addressed the gathering and started off by extending sincere gratitude for the expeditious approval of various proposals by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and A&N Administration, like approval of new Andaman & Nicobar Islands Police Manual, New Logo, recruitment for 590 vacancies, DG commendation Disc, establishment of Anti-Narcotics Police Station and Cyber Crime Police Station, changing the name of A&N Fire Service department to A&N Fire & Emergency Services department among many others, which have significantly contributed to the progress and efficiency of the force.
In his address, the DGP highlighted the achievements by A&N Police over the past year including enhanced traffic management, diligently enforced zero-tolerance policy on drugs, Crime against women, children and senior citizens and Cow Slaughtering, increased multi-dimensional community policing and enhanced people’s participation tremendous success in anti-poaching operations, crackdown on narcotics and illicit liqour, establishment of tourist police, Kiosk near Cellular Jail, better amenities to police personnel, remaining in the top States/UTs in CCTNS & ITSO, introduction of ‘Fire Mitra’ scheme, technology induction, capacity building at all levels etc.
The DGP appreciated all the security and intelligence agencies, including A&N Command, Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, IB, CISF, CRPF, NDRF, Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, Special Bureau for working in close coordination to ensure the safety and well-being of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Lastly, he praised the exemplary efforts of the police force in upholding the values of commitment and dedication to their duties and highlighted the unwavering spirit that defines the A&N Police and acknowledged their consistent and sincere efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
The event was a harmonious blend of tradition, discipline, and pride, underscoring the significance of the occasion. The Andaman and Nicobar Police extend their gratitude to all the State/Central Government Departments, A&N Command, and Islanders for their continued support. The 72nd Raising Day Parade stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and dedication of the Andaman and Nicobar Police for the safety and well-being of the Islanders and visitors to these beautiful emerald Islands.