Sri Vijaya Puram/Kolkata, Aug. 19: The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has concluded Operation Falcon following the apprehension of 12 alleged poachers from Myanmar after an extensive search operation lasting nearly 200 hours through the dense tropical forests of North Andaman.
The operation involved coordinated action by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Andaman and Nicobar Police, with the forces deploying aerial, maritime and ground surveillance during the search.
The ANC announced the culmination of the operation on social media, describing the operation as a coordinated effort to safeguard India’s territorial integrity and the marine ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
According to the information available, Operation Falcon began after security agencies seized a suspicious boat in the region. One alleged poacher was subsequently apprehended near Diglipur.
The apprehension led authorities to believe that more individuals were involved, following which security personnel launched an extensive search operation in the dense forested terrain of North Andaman.
The search continued for more than eight days, with personnel operating through difficult tropical jungle conditions. The operation ultimately resulted in the apprehension of a total of 12 alleged foreign poachers.
The ANC said the operation demonstrated coordination among the different armed forces and security agencies operating in the Islands.
“Defending the nation’s territorial integrity and safeguarding the marine heritage of the archipelago, ANC successfully culminated Operation Falcon with the apprehension of 12 poachers,” the Command said, adding that the operation involved a nearly 200-hour-long search through the forests of North Andaman.
The operation involved the integration of persistent surveillance from the air, sea and ground, with personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Andaman and Nicobar Police working together during the search.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located close to important international maritime routes and surrounded by ecologically sensitive waters, remain vulnerable to illegal entry and poaching activities.
The waters surrounding the archipelago are home to a wide range of marine species, including rare and endangered species that are vulnerable to illegal exploitation.
Among the marine species targeted by poachers is the sea cucumber, which has been accorded protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, placing it among the highest categories of protected wildlife.
Sea cucumbers are known to play an important role in the marine ecosystem, including nutrient recycling and contributing to the health of the seabed and coral reef environment.
The ecological importance of the waters around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, combined with their strategic location, makes surveillance against illegal fishing, poaching and unauthorised entry a continuing security concern.
In the present case, the apprehended individuals were stated to be from Myanmar. The incident is being viewed not only as a case involving alleged poaching but also as one concerning illegal entry into Indian territory.
An official familiar with the matter said that constant surveillance is maintained against illegal activities in and around the Islands.
The ANC said the successful completion of Operation Falcon highlighted the operational readiness and coordination among the different services and agencies involved in protecting the Islands.
With all 12 alleged poachers apprehended, the nearly 200-hour operation has now concluded, marking the end of an extensive search that began with the detection and seizure of a suspicious boat and expanded into a major multi-agency operation across the dense forests of North Andaman.
