Cache of IMFL seized by Tribals;3 arrested

Kamorta, Oct 24 (UNI) Leaders of Tribal islands, Nancowry of Nicobar district, have seized 55 bottles of liquor (IMFL) with the help of Andaman and Nicobar Police.

Andaman and Nicobar Police have registered a case against three persons, who failed to produce Tribal Pass, a must to enter any tribal reserve islands of A &N Islands.

This is the first time that tribal leaders have taken such steps to protect their islands.

The southern group of islands, including Nancowry area, has long been a hot spot for illegal sale of IMFL at an exorbitant price. The bulk of consumers being members of the tribal community, there had been regular complaints of illegal sale of the item in the restricted tribal areas in Nancowry group of islands.

First Captain Nazeer Ahmed was instrumental in the seizure of the illicit liquor, Tribal Council Secretary, Kamorta, Rashid Yusuf told UNI today.

A month ago, the First Captain had sent a written complaint to the DGP with copy to SP, Nicobar, but apparently, no action was taken, Mr Yusuf added.

''This shows that tribals are awakening in these remote islands,'' Rashid added.

Out of the 572 scattered islands of Andaman and Nicobar Chain, 36 are inhabited and nearly half of them are marked as tribal reserve islands.

UNI