Praful Khodabhai Patel, administrator, Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep residents fear that their land will be taken away from them and given to outsiders in the name of development.
This is due to a lack of information on their part. Development authorities are necessary. We want to bring well-planned development to Kavaratti and other islands. Hence, the proposal to form a [Lakshadweep] Development Authority. The fears are unfounded.
Why not consult with local elected bodies and islanders?
The draft notifications have been kept in the public notice as per the rules. We received several objections. These objections were studied and then the proposals had been forwarded to the Centre. How would the objections come if they were not aware?
My understanding is that the opposition [to the proposals] has begun from Kerala. The Union territory is independent. The campaign [against the administration] is run by Kerala.
You have banned beef and aided the sale of liquor on an island group with a 95 per cent Muslim population.
Why is everything seen from a communal angle? It is to promote tourism. The permit for liquor is in resorts and for tourists. This has been clarified repeatedly.
What was the need to bring in the Goonda Act at a place where there is hardly any crime?
There is an international sea route. In the past, there have been instances of drugs, weapons and ammunition being caught. There have been cases of marijuana smuggling on the island.
This story is from the June 20, 2021 edition of THE WEEK.
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This story is from the June 20, 2021 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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