Kochi ∙ Ban order on the uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep! Of the 36 islands in Lakshadweep, only 10 are inhabited. Collector Dr. Rakesh Minhans has issued an order to prevent entry to the rest of the islands without written permission under Penal Code 144.
The collector’s order stated 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 given to coconut farmers to live on uninhabited islands.
These islands are used to hide contraband, including drugs, and harbor anti-nationals and anti-socials. The collector’s order said such individuals can choose major cities, institutions and busy areas of the country for attack and take precautionary measures in view of this possibility. The ordinance also establishes that those who enter the island in violation of the order will be severely punished.
After Lakshadweep administrator Praful Ghoda Patel took over, 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 products.
However, the authorities have defended these protests by claiming that the uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep have recently become a haven for terrorist forces. Earlier information had come out that there was a warning from the Central Intelligence Agency about the presence of anti-nationals on the island.
English Summary: 144 imposed in the no-man’s island of Lakshadweep
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