This is the second in a three-part series of special articles for The Hindu.

mitav Ghosh, renowned novelist, discovers the difference between the diligent and open attitude of the armed forces, and the bureaucratic insensitivity and inertia of the civilian administration in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Findi ng an unexpected seat on a flight to Car Nicobar, he encounters the Director and his extraordinary story. This is the second in a three-part series of special articles for The Hindu.