Sri Vijaya Puram, November 2: The induction of 23 Police Control Room (PCR) vehicles across the three districts and a renewed call for public participation in combating drug abuse marked the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas observance in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as the police held a ceremonial parade in Sri Vijaya Puram on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma flagged off the newly inducted vehicles and attended the Ekta Parade–2026 as chief guest. The parade followed the Marina Park route from SVPMC Dharasala to JNRM, passing through Government Girls Senior Secondary School.
The new vehicles are intended to improve police mobility, strengthen operational capabilities and facilitate faster responses to emergencies across the islands. The administration dedicated the vehicles across all three districts.
The parade brought together contingents from the A&N Police Executive (male and female), India Reserve Battalion (IRBn), Fire Service, Police Brass Band, Ladies Pipe Band, Home Guards and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Abhijeet Sirohi, IPS, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, South Andaman, led the march-past as platoon commander.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma paid tribute to Patel’s role in integrating the princely states and building a united India. He urged citizens, particularly young people, to uphold the ideals of national unity, integrity and collective responsibility. He also stressed public participation and community engagement in strengthening police-public relations and maintaining social harmony.
Director General of Police Ravindra Singh Yadav said the police were pursuing efforts to build a safe and drug-free society through enforcement against drug trafficking, preventive measures, rehabilitation and community outreach. He urged citizens, especially young people, to participate in efforts to address drug abuse.
Yadav also said Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programmes had been organised across 26 police stations, eight police units and four fire stations in the islands.
The observance also highlighted the police’s participation in the National Motorcycle Rally–2026, organised under the theme ‘Fight Against Drugs’. A 12-member police contingent began its journey from Cellular Jail in Sri Vijaya Puram on October 10, after Sharma flagged it off.
The riders travelled through Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and Daman and Diu, interacting with students, National Cadet Corps cadets, police trainees and local communities to spread awareness about drug abuse and encourage healthy lifestyles.
The contingent was scheduled to participate in the Grand Ride Past at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on October 31, carrying the messages of national unity and a drug-free India beyond the islands.
The parade, vehicle induction and motorcycle rally formed the principal components of the police-led observance, which combined the National Unity Day tribute with initiatives focused on emergency response, public engagement and drug prevention.
