JAF to Conduct Maha Sammelan on 17th Nov.
Port Blair, Nov. 15: It’s time for all islanders to come together and show the strength on 17th November 2018 by joining the Maha Sammelan and Bike Rally and send a very loud message, which should reach each and every one, and the demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit as well as withdrawal of all false charges against the youth framed by the Administration, called the Joint Action Forum (JAF).
In a communication to the press, the JAF expressed that the Islanders of Andaman & Nicobar have an unparalleled legacy of brotherhood, communal amity and social bonding, irrespective of their regional, linguistic, cultural, economical and social background. This legacy is our heritage and it needs all protection from divisive forces.
It’s a proven fact that the Islanders with its fragile ecology and limited resources cannot support population beyod a limit. Hence, various studies were conducted on carrying capacity and based on the recommendations of Shekhar Singh Commission, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India had passed a judgment to implement “Inner Line Permit System” to restrict the influx of population and rampant encroachment of forest in the islands. However, the A&N Administration have shown no keen interest in implementing it.
Despite a bandh conducted on 6th September 2018 bringing the whole Islands to a standstill sending a clear cut and loud message that unwanted, influx will not be tolerated, the Administration’s ostrich like behavior and silence is deafening.
Moreover, there have been vicious efforts by politicians to declare Inner Line Permit and Bandh as unconstitutional and to provoke the youth by demanding lathi-charge against the peaceful protestors to intimidate them. They are keen on dividing the society on linguistic lines by misguiding the gullible Islanders with an eye of the upcoming elections.
The Joint Action Forum is not against any mainlanders residing in the islands and doing business legally. JAF wants to safeguard the Islands from foreign illegal immigrants. The said politicians have tried to play mischief and disturb the peaceful protestors and even took the help of the law enforcing agencies to book them under various sections and file FIR registered against them, which itself shows the ill intentions. It is time to raise voice not just against influx and encroachment but also against such forces that are keen on dividing the society and creating disharmony.
The demands of JAF include:
1. Immediate implementation of Inner Line Permit System in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
2. 100% job reservation to the Islanders in Group B & C posts, who have an islander Identity Card.
3 Withdrawal of FIR against the gullible youth/ volunteers.
4. Identification of Foreign Illegal Immigrants and deport them.
6. All the benefit of Govt. Schemes line Anishi, Subsidies and free medicines should be available only the islanders and all benefits to be given on the basis of Islander Card and not to be entertained with Adhaar Card.
7. Tourist Vehicle Permit should be granted only for Islanders (AutoCar/Bus)