Protesting the setting up of a 50-berth yacht marina at Viper Island, senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Saturday said he would take up the issue in Parliament.
Viper Island is of much historical importance because the first jail was constructed at this island where the freedom fighters and other convicts from all over India were sent to serve their punishment. After the Cellular Jail was made, freedom fighters and other convicts were transferred there. The Island still has remains of jail and gallows.
Addressing a press conference at BJP office in Port Blair, Rajnath said that he will take up this matter in Parliament and also with the President and the Prime Minister. “The Islands which should have been preserved as pilgrimage centre of freedom struggle and declared as heritage structure is being opened for tourists, and the local administration is constructing hotels and resorts for them,” Rajnath said.
He urged the Member of Parliament,Bishnu Pada Ray, to continue his fight for preserving the sanctity of Viper Island.