Sat Sep 14 15:58:17 UTC 2024: ## Andaman Islanders Protest Renaming of Port Blair as “Sri Vijaya Puram”

**Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands:** A wave of discontent has swept through the Andaman and Nicobar Islands following the Indian government’s decision to rename Port Blair as “Sri Vijaya Puram”. The announcement, made by Union Home and Co-operation Minister Amit Shah on September 13th, has sparked widespread opposition among the islands’ residents.

Shah’s tweet cited the aim to “free the nation from colonial imprints” and highlighted the new name’s symbolic connection to India’s freedom struggle and the islands’ historical significance. However, this reasoning has failed to resonate with many islanders, who perceive the renaming as insensitive and unnecessary.

Social media platforms have been inundated with messages and posts criticizing the government’s decision. Islanders have expressed their dissatisfaction on WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, with many updating their profiles to demonstrate their disapproval. News videos covering the renaming have also been flooded with negative comments, with a vast majority opposing the name change.

The islanders’ concerns center on the disconnect between the new name and the identity of Port Blair. Residents argue that “Sri Vijaya Puram” fails to capture the history and culture of the community, who have lived under the current name for generations.

While the government aims to honor the islands’ contribution to India’s independence, many islanders perceive the renaming as a disregard for their community’s sentiment. The debate surrounding the name change is expected to continue, as residents, particularly those from Port Blair, are determined to make their voices heard and ensure their concerns are addressed.

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