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 asked before such a decision was taken. We do not want a deemed university—we demand a Central University,” he stated.
He further argued that affiliation with Pondicherry University, a Central University established through an Act of Parliament, currently ensures a recognised academic standard for students in the islands.
Expressing concern over infrastructure, Ayush pointed out that several educational institutions, including the Law College, have reportedly been functioning without permanent campuses for years.
“If basic facilities are yet to be fully developed, introducing a new system raises serious questions,” he remarked.
Detailing the course of the agitation, Ayush stated that after the initial demonstrations on February 3, protests were organised at multiple colleges, followed by an “Andaman Bandh” which witnessed participation from students and several organisations.
He added that the Joint Action Forum (JAF) was later formed to coordinate the movement collectively with support from political and social organisations.
According to Ayush, the protest has continued for more than three weeks with increasing public participation from various sections of society.
“People across the islands do not want this new system. If reforms are needed, a Central University should be established instead,” he said.
The interaction took place during a peaceful candle march, where participants reiterated demands for reconsideration of the proposal and protection of higher education interests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Originally published in Dweep Tulika, Volume VIII, Issue No. 12, dated 20 March 2026.