Port Blair, Aug. 23: A six member delegation of Local Born’s community, comprising of Shri John M Lobo, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Dr. Rohindro Lall, Sharda Ram, Mukeshwar Lall and Sheikh Farooq led by John M Lobo met the Lt. Governor on 14th August 012 on the most sensitive issue of 50 berth Yacht Marina on Viper Island. The Chief Secretary and Secretary (Tourism) were also present.
The discussion opened with the letter of Shri Lobo which was addressed to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and copy endorsed to the LG regarding the project.
Speaking on the occasion the Lt. Governor spoke at length in favour of Yacht Marina. The LG was of the opinion that the Island will be provided an overall facelift with a project of international standard. He also said that no damage to the monument will be done and the sanctity will remain undisturbed. The area for Marina would be secluded causing no interference and the project will also result in employment opportunity.
Differing on LG’s views, Shri John Lobo strongly objected to the project and raised the following points. He said Viper Island is a National Heritage, a sacred soil, a place of pilgrimages and is Shaheedon Ki Bhoomi. History of Andaman starts from 1858 from Viper Island and not from Cellular Jail, where thousands of known and unsung freedom fighters sanctified with their blood.
Lobo said, “It was the first open Jail where still exist Gallows, guards room, katchery and ruins of the Jail of two thousands prisoners, Jail for women and jetty where they first landed in iron chain. The planned Yacht Marina on the graves of patriots will be an insult to the memory of those freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for freedom of India’s Independence”.
In support Lobo also placed the letter from the Chairman ‘Shaheed Bhagat Singh Centenary Foundation’, addressed to the Hon’ble. Sh. Pranab Mukherjee, President of India to ‘Save Viper Island and protect History of Freedom Struggle’.
Commenting upon NOC by A&N Command as to how such clearance was given and why so much emphasis on Viper Island in principle, where the Command’s first choice was Panighat Lobo said that the ANC also failed to observe its strategic importance that its entire defence establishments are hardly a kilometer, fully exposed from Viper Island.
“We were the victims of IInd World War, and faced atrocities and the sufferings. Presence of foreign Yachts is not at all safe and will have easy access to espionage and apprehend even “Aatankvad” can never be ruled out, a very dangerous move of the administration and where it will end only future will predict”, the veteran said.
Shri John Lobo also informed of the presence of three Japanese; two photographers and one Dentist who were residing in these islands and were arrested by the Britishers for espionage before Japanese occupation and taken to Fort William, Calcutta. They were having their transmitters in their wrist watches.
Regarding employment opportunities’ Lobo finally said, “When there were four major industries, private and public sectors undertakings, how much employment was generated and how much Yacht Marina Tourism will accommodate, when thirty to forty thousand highly qualified youths are roaming in streets”.
While Dr. Rohindro Lall spoke in favour of the project, Shri. Mukeshwar Lall objected and spoke against Yacht Marina.
The discussion was held in a most cordial atmosphere which lasted for about an hour but could not conclude for want of time and it, Shri John M Lobo said today.