'Op Falcon' concludes in Andamans with 12 poachers held by ANC

Kolkata, Aug 18 (IANS) The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) announced an end to Operation Falcon on Tuesday after the apprehension of 12 poachers. 

The ANC, India's only tri-services Command, is not only entrusted with the defence of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it also protecting the fragile ecosystem of the region.

"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, following a gruelling 200-hour-long search operation through the dense tropical jungles of North Andaman," the ANC wrote on social media platform X.

"The operation witnessed seamless coordination between the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Andaman and Nicobar Police. The integration of persistent aerial, maritime and ground surveillance, coupled with the unwavering resolve of forces on ground, resulted in the successful apprehension of the foreign poachers," it said.

"The successful culmination of Op Falcon underscores the jointness, operational readiness and resolve of ANC in safeguarding national interests, coastal integrity and the rich marine ecosystem of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago," the Command added.

The waters around the islands are a rich repository of marine life, including rare and endangered species.

Several of these are in high demand in Southeast Asian countries as delicacies and traditional medicine.

Chief among these is the sea cucumber that plays a very important role in protecting the marine environment by breaking down nutrients.

Even its excreta is useful as it is basically calcium carbonate that helps in the growth of coral reefs.

The importance of sea cucumbers can be gauged from the fact that it has been placed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, putting them at the same level as tigers and elephants.

This makes the waters around the Andamans particularly vulnerable to poaching activities.

In this case, the poachers were from Myanmar.

Operation Falcon had started with the seizure of a suspicious boat.

The authorities had then succeeded in apprehending one poacher near Diglipur.

Realising that a large gang was involved, the security personnel entered the dense forests and carried out search operations for more than eight days.

Their relentless pursuit led to the capture of the 12 miscreants.

"This was not only a case of poaching. It was also a case of illegal infiltration into Indian territory. Constant vigil is maintained against all illegal activities," an official said.

--IANS

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