Lakshadweep islanders selected all places and used all available methods to express their opposition to the new contentious rules drafted by the territorial Administrator, Praful Khoda Patel. The banners the locals carried as they started their 12-hour hunger strike on June 7, protesting the planned administrative changes, said “We’re not against development; don’t sell false information.” Diving into the sea with placards in hand were a few others. Most banners said, “Save Lakshadweep, Save Democracy.” The locals are lobbying to have the LDAR, PASA, and the Goonda Act repealed (LAPR). “In a region without thugs, the Act means nothing. Reverse the Goonda Act “browsed one billboard.
Reportedly, all inhabitants of the islands are on a hunger strike. Essential services on the islands, too, have allegedly been stopped. Netizens also extended sympathy with the islanders and called for these restrictions to be revoked on social media.
“We shall take the first move by all remaining in our houses with placards and black flags up. Today is no food day. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. The only option is to violate the law. We are only getting started, “Lakshadweep’s Lakshadweep leader Bunyamin told TNM.
He further stated that the protest wasn’t just directed only at the Administrator, but was also against Lakshadweep Collector Asker Ali, who made a statement at a news conference in Kochi. The Collector also insisted that the islands were devoid of unrest and the demonstrations were made by misinformed individuals.
“We feel this is where the demonstrations started. We were targeted. Later, outside assistance was enormous. Over 90 retired civil service officials requested that Patel be recalled. We are pleased that we have outside backing, but they cannot control us. We know what is happening here, “Bunyamin said.
There were individuals of all ages there, and many were dressed in black and carrying protest signs. “I have lived on the island for the past 88 years. This is a first. Many administrators have arrived, and they appreciate our culture and feelings. This is the first time we’ve been treated this way. Losing my home may occur if these land purchase laws go into effect. We can’t farm, and food culture is also being regulated. ” According to Minicoy resident Muhammed,
“No one has enough food to eat in my household. All the homes are protesting, “he said.
Under new admin Praful Khoda Patel, Gujarat BJP MLA since December of 2020, there was significant opposition to rules and regs such as the Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation, the Lakshadweep Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, the LaThe Administrator has been accused of skipping public consultation and pushing for the Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation which could open indiscriminate infrastructure building and allow the administration to oust people. The Administrator has also allegedly closed all dairy farms operated by the Animal Husbandry Department, and the draft law in the name of ‘animal preservation’ intends to ban slaughter, transportation, and selling or buying of beef products. Islanders also say that Patel has also directed to cut the non-vegetarian menu from midday meals.
Image Source: On Manorama
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