Indian Navy and the Coast Guard are keeping a strict round the clock vigil over the strategically located Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A and N). The vigil is not only to thwart militant groups from using scattered and desolate islands for nefarious activities, but also to keep away poachers from the seas, a top official has said.

Talking to a group of visiting reporters from Chennai recently, Lieutenant Governor Iswari Prasad Gupta said in Port Blair that the island had experienced some poaching by foreigners, who forayed the rich marine wealth. “They have been caught and action taken against them,” he said. Gupta said that the administration could not afford to be lax, since poachers could use their incursions to test the waters for various other purposes like arms smuggling and drugs. Hence, there was a strong naval and coast guard presence in the seas. Asked if the Sri Lankan militant outfit, LTTE had used the island for its activities, he said, “No, it has not come to our notice.” Confirming Gupta's views, A and N Chief Secretary Anil Baijal said that the high seas were patrolled by the navy and the Coast Guard, while the police maintained internal security, all in a coordinated manner.
Bureau Report