Union Home Minister Amit Shah is currently on a significant three-day visit to the strategically vital Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he chaired a high-level parliamentary meeting and is set to inaugurate key events.
High-Level Meeting on Security and Infrastructure
The Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Home Affairs commenced at 11 am on Saturday in the islands. The session, which lasted until approximately 2:15 pm, delved into critical issues of national importance. According to sources, the discussions centered on national security, disaster management, cybersecurity, and the development of regional infrastructure.
In his address, Amit Shah emphasized the need for a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to tackle the growing menace of cybercrime. He outlined a strategy built on four key pillars: convergence, coordination, communication, and capacity building. A dedicated session was also held to review the strategic significance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India's security architecture.
Inaugurations and Foundation Stone Ceremonies
Following the morning meeting, the Home Minister's schedule included public engagements in Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly known as Port Blair. In the afternoon, he was set to inaugurate an exhibition on the 'Naveen Nyaya Sanhita' or the new criminal laws at the ITF Ground. Subsequently, Shah planned to lay the foundation stones for several development projects at the historic Netaji Stadium.
Second Visit in a Month Underlines Strategic Focus
Amit Shah arrived on the archipelago on Friday night, landing at INS Utkrosh near Veer Savarkar International Airport around 10:45 pm. He was received by Lieutenant Governor D K Joshi and other officials. This marks Shah's second trip to the islands in less than a month, having previously visited on December 12 to commemorate the 116th anniversary of V D Savarkar's poem 'Sagara Pran Talamala'.
In light of the high-profile visit, security was intensified across the Union Territory. The Home Minister is scheduled to conclude his visit and depart from the islands on January 4.
