Sri Vijaya Puram, June 15: The Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) today on the 13th of June, 2026 organized a protest demonstration under the leadership of ANTCC President Shri. Rangalal Halder against the steep hike in the prices of LPG cylinders, petrol and diesel, the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination paper leak issue, and various unresolved local issues affecting the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The protest commenced from the Congress Office, where a large number of Senior party leaders, ANTCC Chief Spokesperson, District Congress President S/A, Representatives of Block Congress , Mahila Congress , City Congress , Youth Congress , NSUI , INTUC Federation ,Minority Department , OBC Dept, Unorganised Workers & Employees Congress, RGPRS, Fisherman Congress, PRI Members, Municipal Councilors and supporters assembled and marched in a procession towards the Gandhi Statue, Port Blair. Throughout the march, participants raised slogans against the anti-people policies of the Central Government and demanded immediate relief for the common people.
Addressing the gathering at Gandhi Statue, party leaders expressed serious concern over the continuous rise in the prices of essential commodities, LPG cylinders, petrol and diesel, which have imposed an unbearable financial burden on households, fishermen, farmers, transport operators, workers, and small traders across the Islands. The leaders stated that the escalating cost of living has severely affected the economic condition of ordinary citizens.
The speakers also strongly condemned the NEET paper leak controversy, stating that such incidents undermine the credibility of the examination system and jeopardize the future of lakhs of students who work hard to secure admission to professional courses. They demanded a transparent investigation and stringent action against all those responsible.
The protest further highlighted several pressing local issues faced by Islanders, including unemployment among youths, inadequate healthcare facilities, poor infrastructure, transportation difficulties in remote islands, rising prices of essential commodities, and the need for greater attention towards the welfare and development of the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The ANTCC demanded immediate intervention by the Government to roll back the increased prices of LPG, petrol and diesel, ensure fairness and transparency in competitive examinations, and address the long-pending grievances of Islanders on a priority basis.