Defence forces enhance vigil around Andaman Islands

Port Blair, Apr 27 (UNI) Andaman and Nicobar Command(ANC) today enhanced vigil around the Andaman maritime zones, especially in the Northern group of Islands.

The recent spurt in poaching activities and intelligence inputs regarding illegal immigration had proven to be a cause of concern in these islands.

''To curb anti-poaching activities in and around the Islands and ensure our marine wealth is no more exploited by foreign poachers, ANC, the first tri-service joint command of India, has enhanced vigil in our maritime zones,'' ANC Public Relation Officer Commander Anil Kumar told UNI today.

He said apart from the four components of the command viz Army, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard, there has been active involvement of the Police and Forest departments, in the endeavour.

''Ships and aircraft from all services have been directed to step up maritime surveillance. This has resulted in the apprehension of 60 Myanmarese poachers with 8 dinghies in the recent past,'' he said.

Various Islands of Northern group have also been identified and are being 'sanitised' by the task groups in a phased manner, the he said.

''The temporary camps built by the poachers are being destroyed.

Coast Guard and Naval ships are carrying out necessary barrier patrol at sea and denying further replenishments,'' the naval commander added.

In the past fewe days huge number of poachers have been apprehended from the northern tip of the archipelago. These poachers were generally found in possession of Traucas, sea Cucumber, Corals etc, which are believed to fetch them high price in the international market.

Monitoring and patrolling has been enhanced, aiming at deterring the poachers from entering our territorial waters and exploiting our marine wealth, Mr Kumar added.

UNI