JATC Delegation Urges Restoration of Vizag Flight and Land Allotment for

A delegation representing the Joint Action Telugu Community (JATC) from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands recently held a meeting with Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. The meeting, which took place at the Minister's camp office in Srikakulam, focused on several issues affecting the residents of the islands. The delegation, led by JATC General Secretary Mr. B. Hema Raju, submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns.

Restoration of Visakhapatnam Flight Services

Among the primary issues raised by the JATC delegation was the urgent need for the restoration of direct flight services between Sri Vijaya Puram and Visakhapatnam. The memorandum highlighted that this direct air link was discontinued on May 15, 2026, leading to significant difficulties for island residents. The delegation emphasized that the flight route was frequently utilized by individuals traveling for specialized medical treatment, students, traders, exporters, fishermen, government officials, and the general public. The suspension of this service has reportedly resulted in increased travel times and expenses, as passengers are now compelled to travel via Chennai or Kolkata.

Call for Andaman Bhawan in Visakhapatnam

The JATC delegation also advocated for the allocation of land in Visakhapatnam for the construction of an "Andaman Bhawan." This proposed facility aims to provide subsidized transit accommodation for residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands who travel to mainland India. The memorandum noted that existing transit accommodation facilities are insufficient to meet the growing demand from islanders visiting Visakhapatnam for various purposes, including medical treatment, education, cargo transport, and onward ship travel. The delegation requested that the Andhra Pradesh Government allot suitable land for a permanent guest house with at least 20 rooms, to be managed under the A&N Administration, for the benefit of island residents.

Other Representations and Appeals

In addition to these key demands, the delegation submitted representations through the Union Minister to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. These representations sought intervention regarding FIR No. 121/2024 and FIR No. 122/2024, which were registered at Aberdeen Police Station following protests concerning the death of Ms. Vimala Devi. The memorandum alleged that these cases were filed against citizens who participated in what was described as a peaceful protest to demand justice in an alleged medical negligence matter. The JATC appealed for appropriate directives to the A&N Administration for the withdrawal of these cases.

The delegation expressed optimism that their genuine concerns, representing the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, would receive favorable consideration from the relevant authorities.

Source

https://nicobartimes.com/local-news/jatc-delegation-meets-union-civil-aviation-minister-seeks-restoration-of-vizag-flight-and-land-for-andaman-bhawan/