Lakshadweep Collector calls protests against reforms 'propaganda'

Kochi: Justifying the unrealistic yet anti-people reforms that the Lakshadweep administration ought to implement in the Islands, Collector S Asker Ali called the protests against reforms as misleading propaganda that did not anyhow affect the Lakshadweep.

Speaking to media in Kochi, the collector defended the proposed 'Anti-Social Activities Regulation' and other alleged anti-people policies saying these regulations were imperative considering the threat to internal security.

He tried to explain the need for an alleged draconian law invoking the confiscation of 300 kg of heroin, worth around Rs 3,000 crore and 5 AK-47 rifles, 1000 rounds of ammunition. But this narrative has no connection with the Island for the said raid was made kilometres away from the Island and the arrested were Sri Lankan citizens.

The collector also alleged the reporting of illegal smuggling of liquor, marijuana and POCSO cases but the crime records say a different story.

Lakshadweep has been in a boiling state for the last few months ever since the new Administrator Praful Khoda Patel took charge of the islands and whose allegedly intimidating and unilateral decisions made life difficult for the islanders.

Reports said that the traditional livelihood of islanders has been affected due to the demolition of fishing sheds and boats on the order of the administrator.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinaray Vijayan, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin came forward in support of the people of Lakshadweep. They demanded the Centre to withdraw the anti-people policies and reforms.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi said that the proposed reforms are a threat to the ecological sanctity of Lakshadweep. Livelihood, security and sustainable development are being sacrificed for commercial gains, he said adding that under the guise of reforms the very democratic values have been undermined.