By Tanmita Das (Batch of 2023)
Lakshadweep was given a Union Territory status in 1956. It consists of 36 islands across 12 atolls. It is closest to Kerala and is dependent on it for essential supplies. With a population of 65,000, it is India's smallest Union Territory. Demographically, over 95% of the population constitutes Muslims. The tribal population (94.8%) dominates the UT. Politically, the NCP and Congress are the dominant parties. The Centre latches its control over the UT through the presence of an administrator. The recent political crisis encompasses a slew of draft regulations announced by the current administrator, Praful Patel.
The Draft Regulations:
1. The most controversial regulation is the Prevention of Anti-social Activities Regulation (PASA), popularly known as the Anti-Goonda Act. Section 3 of the Act provides powers of detention for up to one year to prevent anyone from ‘acting in a manner prejudicial to the maintenance of public order’.. This has caused a stir amongst the locals who construe this as an encroachment on their rights as well as the return of draconian measures of colonial times. Moreover, the opposition and residents are aptly pointing out the low crime rate in the UT and denying the need for any such regulation. The fear is that anyone opposing the Administration will be arrested without any due consideration.
2. The second most controversial measure is the Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation (LDAR) to oversee development of towns on the islands. Sweeping changes have been brought about in the way land can be acquired and used. Locals have pointed out the way that the regulation was introduced is abrupt and lacks public consultation. Larger projects pose the danger of ecological damage in the name of growth and development.
3. The Draft Panchayat Regulation isn’t receiving much acceptance either. It seeks to make two children the limit for becoming a member of the gram panchayat. This has been dubbed as irrational and has invoked tension in the minds of the residents.
Other measures like a ban on cow slaughter, serving liquor to tourists are causing a ruckus amongst the residents and opposition parties. The political turmoil is exacerbating as recently 3 office bearers of BJP’s Minicoy Island unit have resigned amidst the chaos. The regulations are currently under observation of the Home Minister who has assured the residents of safety and security. However, this hasn’t stopped it from snowballing into a political row with all parties engaging in a war of words.
The residents are resorting to hunger strikes and the ‘Save the Lakshadweep Forum’ is at the forefront of the protest. Several leaders have called for the resignation of the current administrator.
The crisis can be best handled with careful scrutiny and observed patience. The Centre asserts that the islands’ location makes it a question of national security and these draft regulations seek to protect them from external and/or internal threats. However, bringing into confidence the residents and the opposition alike before taking drastic measures is the need of the hour.
(The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the LitSoc team.)