NIA takes over Pulwama case, names JeM in FIR

New Delhi, Feb 20: The National Investigation Agency will probe the planning and execution of the terror attack, the second such in three decades of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the probe in the Pulwama terror attack case on Wednesday and named Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in the First Information Report.

A senior official said Jaish chief Masood Azhar has not been named in the FIR as yet, as it was only a preliminary report and the NIA was only re-registering the case filed by the J&K police. His role in the attack is being actively investigated.

Meanwhile India's High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria met Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday and is learnt to have briefed him about the efforts made by India to isolate Pakistan globally in the wake of the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel on February 14.

"The Director-General of NIA and a team of senior officers visited the place of occurrence. The officers of CRPF and local police were also present. He was briefed by the officers about the progress made in the investigation so far," an NIA spokesperson said.

Another official said the suicide bomber was driving a Maruti Eeco car and not an SUV as reported earlier but "expert opinion was awaited".

Mr. Bisaria was called back by the government for consultations after the Pulwama attack.

"There is no point in giving any more dossiers to Pakistan on the involvement of Pakistan-based terror outfits in attacks here. In the past, they have not acted on any such document. We will convince the rest of the world about Pakistan's role in the Pulwama attack," an official said. (The Hindu)

Poem "Proud of you my Brave Sons"

People across A&N Islands condemns Pulwama attack; Candlelight march marked their protest

TMI Bureau

Port Blair, Feb 20: To pay tributes to Martyrs (40 CRPF personnel) and condemn the cowardly act by terrorists on Feb 14, 2019 at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

At Port Blair, A&N Media Federation (ANMF) organized a prayers meet on Feb 15, 2019 where participants gathered and lighted candles. The prayer meet was organized at Flag Point of Port Blair city.

Media persons also burned the effigies of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed and the reported master mind behind the terror attack.

The A&N Tour Operator Association organized a candle march on Feb 16, 2019 at 6:00 pm from Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex to Gandhi Statue via Clock Tower.

Meanwhile, Hindu Jagaran Manch conducted Shrandhanjali Sabha at Flag Point for offering floral tribute to the martyrs of terrorist attack held in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also organized a "Sokh Yatra" on Feb 16, 2019 against the blood-soaked timeline of terror attacks. The Sokh Yatra was started from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Head Quarter and reached Tiranga Park via clock tower. The BJP State President, Member of Parliament, Senior Leaders, the party workers and general public of A&N Islands has joined in the Sokh Yatra. At Tiranga Park, a two-minute silence was observed and Shradhanjali to pay homage to the 40 CRPF personnel killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

On Feb 18, 2019, the student council JNRM along with cadets of NCC JNRM units organised a Shardhanjali Yatra for the 40 Shaheed CRPF Jawans. The Students of JNRM Port Blair expressed their solidarity with the families who lost their dear ones.

More than 1500 students from JNRM college lead the rally and march towards Netaji Stadium, Clock tower, Marina Park and back to College and gathered at college auditorium and chanted "Bharat Mata ki Jai", "Vandemataram", "Shaheed Jawan - Amar Rahe", "Jai Hind" and 'Pakistan Murdabad' with loud and clear voice, and many students expressed their concern over the great loss to the nation. The Shardhanjali Rally was organised by the Student council, NCC cadets, all CRs and member of ABVP JNRM Unit.

CINCAN lays foundation stone for Wet Basin and Refit Jetty at NSRY

Port Blair, Feb 20: Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, ADC, Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) laid the foundation stone for Wet Basin and Refit Jetty at Naval Ship Repair Yard (NSRY), Port Blair on Feb 15, 2019. The project has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Defence and is being undertaken by Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW). M/s ITD Cementation India Ltd will carry out the civil works. The project is likely to be completed by Nov 2021. This is the first time that a jetty with underwater compartments is being constructed at the A&N Islands and also in Indian Navy. Once the jetty is completed, it would boost, the refit capability of ANC and would also provide assistance to the A&N Administration, whenever required.

A&N Police stands in solidarity with families of Pulwama Martyrs - Donates one day's salary

Port Blair, Feb 18: As a mark of solidarity and support to the families of CRPF martyrs, the A&N Police has decided to donate one day's salary to the families of 40 brave hearts, who were killed in recent terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir.

A&N Police strongly condemn this dastardly act of terrorism and stand with the families of sacred souls in this hour of grief.

All officers and ranks of A&N Police will contribute their one day's salary as a token of their shared pain with the grief stricken families and as a mark of the heartiest gratitude for their supreme sacrifice, the Superintendent of Police (AP), A&N Police said in a communication here.

Citizens Corner 21/02/2019

*I am watching since many years in TV news reports, but doesn’t understand, why World countries are continuously developing super weapons and storing to fight against, What? Space invaders? or to fight each other to just prove themselves? Seems protecting the humanity is their last priority.

*Politics and frenzy of power, lapses the security agencies, otherwise, Pulwama kind of incident does not take place in the largest democratic country of the world.

Clock tower news 21/02/2019

Zarda & Cigarette theft in petty shop

Port Blair: Cigarette and Zarda theft cases on rise in the city. A petty shop at Junglighat opposite to ANIIDCO Wine Shop remains a victim for a third-time recently. Some biking gang youths is suspected behind this theft. Despite of installing CCTV surveillance by its owner, the thieves managed to escape by wearing helmets. However, police is investigating the matter.

A youth gone for fishing did not return

Port Blair: The dead body of a youth was found floating in the sea near Chatham police station on Feb 16, 2019. As per sources, he is identified as Mr. Steve Berry, S/o Mr. Shivaji Willson, 26 years, R/o Haddo, Sea Shore area. The Police team of PS Chatham later recovered the body and proceeding further investigation.

Pol. parties demands CBI inquiry into V Ramesh’s murder

Port Blair: A team of representatives from various political parties met the Chief Secretary and requested him to take up with the concerned authorities to conduct an investigation by CBI into the alleged murder of the local student named V Ramesh at Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu in October last. Accompanied by the deceased's father, the team handed over a letter to this effect and said that the circumstances under which the death took place smacks of some foul play, calling for an impartial inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has written to Secretary, DoPT, Govt. of India Dr C Chandramouli requesting him to order a CBI inquiry into the incident as demanded by a number of political parties and others.

Blood Donation Camp

Port Blair: The Ananda Marga Middle School, Junglighat, will organize a Blood Donation Camp on Feb 21, 2019 on the occasion of International Mother Tongue Day. The camp will be held in association with the Andaman and Nicobar AIDS Control Society, A&N Islands. The school management has requested all to come forward for the noble cause.

Three-day strike by BSNL employees

Port Blair: Responding to the strike call given by All Union and Association of BSNL (AUAB), the A&N Circle of BSNL Employees Association has also observing a three-day strike from Monday. The association holding the proposed strike in demanding fulfilment of assurances given by Minister of State for Communication on the several demands of the AUAB. AUAB called upon all the employees throughout the country to pay homage to the martyrs by holding condolence meetings outside the offices, by observing two minutes silence. Some of the major demands raised by AUAB include, allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL, implementation of third pay revision with 15% fitment, payment of pension contribution by BSNL as per GoI rule, scrapping outsourcing for the operation and maintenance of its mobile towers, implementation of assurance of the Minister for delinking pension revision from pay revision and revise pension of 2 lakhs retirees w.e.f. 01.01.2017 and settlement of the left out issues of the 2nd Pay Revision Committee, etc.

CFNEU organises Orientation Training Course on Health and Nutrition

Port Blair, Feb 20: Community Food and Nutrition Extension Unit (CFNEU), Port Blair organised an Orientation Training Course on "Health and Nutrition" for Anganwadi workers at Haddo under ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) Project Urban, recently. About 30 Aanganwadi workers were enrolled in the course. They were sensitized about various aspects of health and nutrition like "Low birth weight, Nutrition requirements of adolescent girls, pregnant women & lactating mothers, significance of early initiation of breast feeding, exclusive breast feeding for 6 months and continuing breast feeding to infants for 2 years.

Shri Anil Kumar Dhiman, Demonstration officer of CFNEU informed the Anganwadi workers about causes, consequences, symptoms & prevention of Vitamin "A" deficiency and consequences of child malnutrition. The importance of adequate nourishment to infants and children was also highlighted in the training. Preparation of low cost food items like nutritious Ladoo and Apple Jam was also demonstrated on the occasion. .  CFNEU operates under Food and Nutrition Board of Ministry of Woman and Child Development.

5th Islands Development Agency meeting

5th Islands Development Agency meeting chaired by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Union Home Minister, was attended by Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency and other members. Shri Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog outlined progress of ongoing projects. Offshore Oil exploration, Port Blair Green field Airport, Land use availability, Sea-plane operations in UDAN-3A discussed as new agenda points.