Nicobar tribesmen loved liquor, yet these islanders were denied its free regulated access. These islands were placed under total prohibition. This led to a large scale smuggling of this valued commodity, through medium of vessels navigating this sea-locked archipelago. However locals were free to consume ‘toddy’ prepared from juicy extract of coconut, which allowed to naturally ferment turned into strong fizzy intoxicating drink.The non calibrated percentage of alcoholic contents varying from batch to batch, or depending on the skills of its maker.
Toddy emitted a strong peculiar odor, a smell equitably widespread in abundant measure around their households. Another drink known as ‘handia’ was prepared by boiling coarse rice, which being fermented using a tree bark, relished by unsophisticated plebeians.
December 1982…!
The first Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, ML Kampani, on his maiden cruise in these godforsaken islands abroad his touring vessel MV Tarmugli.
We got information about liquor being smuggled from our flagship. Inspector Kuldeep Sharma, SHO Nancowry and myself kept an unobtrusive watch from the upper deck of the vessel. Shortly after sundown, three dugout canoes stealthily appeared on the starboard side.The cagey crew carefully lowered cartons of liquor enmeshed safely in rope nets. All such liquor was smuggled in 180 ml. bottles, because these could be conveniently carried, consumed and easily concealed. Normally one bottle adequate for satiating the craving of a common cruiser.

For any dedicated bacchanal devotee quality, brand or price were totally immaterial. However much adored ‘bagpiper’ brand of whisky with popular hero Dharmendra’s photograph appeared to be a quite relished hot selling brand, being quite reasonably priced. Our surreptitious positioning led to unearthing of an ‘additional’ nocturnal escapade of our tribal counselor, found intimately cuddling with a tribal crew lady in an obscure dim lit corner of the ship.
Shakespeare reincarnate would have rephrased, “frailty thy name is humanity……..” for maintaining of gender equality. This chapter of events was however censured in shell of secrecy, under the security classified status of ‘TOP SECRET’. After careful deliberations we resolved to completely obliterate the issue of liquor smuggling from coffers of our mental storage.
Since this would have opened up a Pandora’s box leading to far reaching unpleasant ramifications. Having brought this to the notice of seniors who concurred with our sagacious wisdom. This event , if reported , would have blown out of proportion by adding a sprinkling of salt and pepper by the local newspaper, ”The light of Andaman”. It had a reputation of salacious reporting, leading to hiccups and digestive problems for the higher official circles? The hearsay news published in this paper were subject of stimulating sparkling evening discussions, enlivening the otherwise dull and drab eerie atmosphere of Port Blair. The locals referred to these reports as ‘Clock Tower News’, as it was inevitable for the clock to strike every hour.
Spontaneously it was for such eagerly awaited evening gossip for effortlessly disseminating around the minuscule township free of cost. Several times the potent tribal chiefs had been impressed upon to take up the issue for quashing of prohibition, but they somehow seemed reluctant. On the other hand a redundant excise regulation of British era still in currency allowed the non-tribal, an unrestricted possession of six dozen 750 ml. bottles of liquor.
This liberal concession was made for benefit of officials serving in the sea-locked, secluded lackluster atmosphere of these isolated islands, situated far away from normal human habitation.
We woefully contemplated why the government obstinately carried on with such superfluous legislation which bred farcical eruption, rampant corruption and general exploitation? Earlier a few days back the Lt. Governor had called on the tribal Chieftain of Nicobar Islands, the Chief Captain Kutchert. This meeting took place at his sprawling residence at Kakana village, here we also witnessed a impressive cultural program.
This undaunted imposing personality valorously conducted Nicobar tribesmen during the atrocious Japanese occupation of these strategic islands between March 1942 September to 1945, during the WW II.The Lt Governor proffered a carton of XXX Hercules Rum, locally referred as ‘lal pani’ (red water).
The Chieftain was overjoyed at receiving this spirituous gift, which happened to be his relished drink.
There is a urgent need to maintain a fair equitable balance, individually and collectively between our thoughts, actions and deeds.
(Author of the article Mr. HPS Virk is a retired Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police)