Dweep Tulika

Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 February 2026: Ayush , a student of Andaman Law College and representative of the Students’ Union, spoke to Dweep Tulika during the candle march organised under the Joint Action Forum (JAF), outlining the background, demands, and progression of the ongoing protest against the proposed deemed university system in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Speaking during the gathering at Tiranga Park, Ayush stated that the movement began on February 3 from Andaman Law College, where students first raised concerns regarding the proposed restructuring of colleges in the islands. He explained that the protest gradually expanded to institutions including JNRM, Tagore Government College, and B.Ed colleges, eventually receiving wider support from students and members of the public across the islands. Ayush alleged that the decision to place all existing colleges under a deemed university framework was being pursued without proper consultation with students. “We should have been...

Sri Vijaya Puram, 25 February 2026: A candle march was held in Sri Vijaya Puram, South Andaman, protesting against the proposed move to convert the seven colleges of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, currently affiliated with Pondicherry University, into a deemed university system. The march commenced from Flag Point and proceeded towards Tiranga Park, witnessing participation from students, civil society members, and representatives of various organisations. During the public gathering at Tiranga Park, speakers associated with the Joint Action Forum (JAF), along with representatives from different political parties and social organisations, voiced concerns regarding the proposed decision. Speakers argued that the move could negatively affect students’ access to quality higher education and urged authorities to reconsider the proposal in the interest of island students. Participants carried candles as a symbol of peaceful resistance and unity, reflecting growing public concern over ...

Port Blair, 25 February 2026: A large candle march organised by the Joint Action Forum (JAF) witnessed strong participation from students, parents, and members of various political and social organisations protesting against the proposed Deemed University system for colleges in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The march began from Flag Point and concluded at Tiranga Park, where a public meeting was held raising concerns over the future of higher education in the islands. Addressing the gathering, Rakesh Pal Govind announced his resignation as an ordinary member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressing dissatisfaction over the handling of the issue. He stated that elected representatives who fail to address public concerns lose their moral authority to remain in power. Govind alleged that the Deemed University proposal, which reportedly dates back to 2018, could weaken students’ access to quality education and further isolate island students. He also criticised recent inciden...