Lakshadweep demolition triggers protests as Agatti buildings razed

Agatti: The Lakshadweep administration demolished several under-construction buildings in Agatti using heavy machinery before the deadline given to the owners to respond to a notice had expired, leading to protests and the detention of local political leaders.

Revenue officials used JCB machines to demolish around four structures, including their foundations, in the southern part of Agatti on Monday.

The administration said the buildings were being constructed without the required land-conversion permission and cited this as the basis for the demolition, Maktoob Media reported.

Reports said a stop memo was prepared on September 10 but was served on the building owners only on Friday evening. The owners maintained that they had been given seven days to submit their explanations and seek appropriate legal remedies.

However, the demolition was carried out before the seven-day period had ended, prompting residents and political leaders to accuse the administration of acting unilaterally and denying the owners an opportunity to respond or approach the courts.

NCP general secretary O.P. Jabbar and Congress leader M.I. Dilshad reached the site to protest the action. Both were taken into police custody and subsequently released.

In a video statement, Jabbar alleged that the Deputy Minister and other officials were acting in disregard of legal procedures. He claimed that although the notice was dated September 10, it was served only on September 12, a Friday, making it difficult for those affected to seek judicial intervention over the weekend.

Jabbar further alleged that officials proceeded with the demolition on Monday despite the seven days mentioned in the notice still being in force. He also claimed that protesters who gathered at the site to oppose the demolition were assaulted.

The NCP condemned the action, alleging that the demolition amounted to an attempt to take over private land. Party leaders said the interests and rights of Lakshadweep residents should not be compromised in the name of administration and indicated that legal action would be pursued.

Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, comprises 36 coral islands in the Arabian Sea, off the Kerala coast. The territory has a predominantly Muslim population and an economy traditionally centred on fishing, coconut cultivation and limited tourism. It is also known for its distinctive cultural practices and ecologically fragile marine environment. Kavaratti is the capital, while 10 of the islands are inhabited.

The latest controversy comes against the backdrop of tensions over administrative policies in Lakshadweep since 2021, when Praful Khoda Patel, a BJP politician appointed as the Union Territory’s administrator, introducing a series of proposed regulations and administrative measures.

Critics had alleged that some of the policies were culturally insensitive, reduced local autonomy and placed greater emphasis on tourism-driven development.

Earlier in 2025, the administration had demolished around 13 structures in Agatti, including a panchayat office, government offices, warehouses, a post office, a port office and a passenger lounge. The demolition was reportedly linked to plans for a city-centre complex and other large-scale development projects.