Kochi ∙ Prohibition order on the uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep! Of the 36 islands in Lakshadweep, only 10 are inhabited. Collector Dr. Rakesh Minhans issued an order to prevent entry to the rest of the islands without written permission under Criminal Code 144.
The Collector’s order said that Lakshadweep is a strategic area which is part of the Western International Coastal Border and the ban is in view of the infiltration of smugglers and people engaged in anti-national activities under the guise of the permission granted to coconut farmers to live on the uninhabited islands.
These islands are used to hide contraband including drugs and harbor anti-nationals and anti-socials. The collector’s order said that such persons may choose major cities, institutions and busy areas of the country for attack and taking precautionary measures in view of this possibility. The order also states that those who enter the island in violation of the order will be severely punished.
After Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Ghoda Patel took charge, most of the illegal constructions on the uninhabited islands were demolished. There was also strong anger against the demolition of agricultural cleaning equipment, fishing equipment and sheds built to store agricultural produce.
However, the authorities defended these protests by arguing that the uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep were becoming a haven for terrorist forces in recent times. The information had previously come out that there was a warning from the Central Intelligence Agency about the presence of anti-nationals in the island.
English Summary: 144 imposed in no man’s island of Lakshadweep