Lakshadweep is a collection of 36 islands in which only 10 is occupied by the citizens. It lies about 200 miles off to the southwestern coast of India in the Arabian sea and the island majorly depends on the southern state of Kerala for all its supplies. Lakshadweep island is famous for its sandy beaches, crystal-blue water, and coral reefs. The island is described as a paradise island or emerald island by the tourist. But in recent weeks the citizens of the island are furious and have made headlines with their protest against their identity, culture, religion, and land. The islander says it is an attack on their identity, culture, and land.
The region’s newly appointed government administrator Praful Khoda Patel has plans to implement a controversial proposal in a surge of COVID-19 cases. Mr. Patel says he has a big picture for the people of the island that will turn ‘the sleepy island’ into the tourist places like Maldives.
On Monday the residents of the island had a black day- they flew black flags from the rooftops and poles and wore black clothes and black face masks to show their refusal for the decision. The reports published in local newspaper also states that the entire population had participated in a day-long fast. Dr. Mohammed Sadique coordinator of saving Lakshadweep Forum(SLF) said that the protests are unprecedented in the history of Lakshadweep. A group of 6 political parties has been at the forefront of the protests. The protester has also won support from the Indian National Congress and party leader Rahul Gandhi has also accused the Government power of destroying India’s jewel in the ocean.
Mr. Gandhi has also written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the orders, describing them as a deliberate assault on the cultural and religious factors of the local community.
The Biggest concern for the people by this law is the draft of a land acquisition policy that will allow the government to take over any land for infrastructure and development projects. Mr. Patel says these changes will improve the safety and wellbeing of the residents and will bring new opportunities for the citizens, but Dr. Sadique says the government attempts to grab the land.
