The fact that political parties agenda remains the same no matter which part of the country they go, speaks volumes about the party. They forget the phrase, “When in Rome, Do as the Romans do.”
Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India, under the command of Praful Khoda Patel of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).
Recently he has introduced new measures, which has led to the “Save Lakshadweep” campaign. The campaign is against the BJP government’s taming of the island’s laws as per their Hindutva ideologies and the rules applied to other states.
As per the locals, the BJP government has destroyed the peace and culture of the island with new measures only slaughtering their lifestyle:
- Ban on Beef
The government also released the draft Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation 2021, which would prohibit the slaughter of cows, cow calves, bulls, and bullocks if passed.
- Introduction of the anti-social Activities Regulation Bill, 2021
The government has proposed a detention law dubbed the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities, which, if passed, would allow the administration to hold anyone for up to a year without public disclosure.
The government also took control of the elected Zilla panchayat’s local administration duties in the areas of education, health care, agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
- Initiatives for Land Development
The Centre has direct responsibility for Lakshadweep because it is a Union Territory without an Assembly.
The government introduced the Draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021, which, if passed, would allow the government to seize any land owned by a common man on the island for “development” purposes.
- Allowing liquor bars to operate.
Malayalam is the prevalent language in Lakshadweep, which is a Muslim-majority territory. Non-alcoholic zones exist on the islands.
Patel, on the other hand, said that entrepreneurs should open liquor bars on the island because it would boost tourism. Locals are outraged with the decision.
- All cargo would be diverted to Mangalore.
The government has taken steps to redirect all goods to Mangalore. The proposal has been met with controversy because the bulk of local businessmen formerly relied on the Beypore port in Kerala, a state with which the islanders share deep cultural links.
Locals in Lakshwadeep, which is predominantly Muslim and mainly dependent on fishing, have labelled the measures as “anti-people.” It is a fight against the constitutional rights of the Lakshadweep people.
The policies have been faced with criticism not only from residents, but also from politicians, activists, and actors in Kerala.
Against People Beliefs: It is the start of a peaceful area being converted into a region of strife. Administrators should be qualified academics rather than politicians who seek to alienate the demographic culture of the region. This is a perfect way to divert the minds of people from the unmanaged Covid-19 situation to the right to live, work, eat and drink.
As per People Beliefs: While some allegedly believe, Lakshwadeep has become a haven for jihadists. The Islamization of this island is a serious threat. While similar islands such as the Maldives are well-known tourist destinations, Lakshadweep remains under the control of Islamists. On the other hand, some believe, Beef banned in schools is a good thing and healthy.