Controversial order to deploy Govt staff in fishing boats of Lakshadweep withdrawn

Kavaratti: Amid criticism and wide spread protest over passing several controversial rules and regulations, the administration of Lakshadweep has revoked its earlier order which asked government officials to be onboard in local fishing boats for intelligence gathering.

Sachin Sharma, the Director of Port, Shipping and Navigation in Lakshadweep administration reversed the order of May 28 by which security around ports, jetties, ships and other vessels was raised to level-2 'on the basis of recent intelligence inputs.

In an email message to the Deputy Director (S&T), Kochi, all assistant directors, all port assistants on island, the CSO of Lakshadweep Development Corporation Ltd (LDCL) and Assistant Commandant of CISF in Kochi on June 7, Mr. Sharma cited the orders of May 28 and June 2 'regarding strengthening of security in ports/ships and jetties' and says that 'as per further inputs, all concerned may revert back to standard protocol and SOPs (standard operating procedures) (sic).'

It was on May 28, the Principal Secretary and Advisor to the Administrator chaired a meeting and decided to depute government servants onboard local fishing boats for intelligence gathering.

The meeting had also decided to strengthen the security measures to monitor the local fishing boats and crews, intensify checking of passenger boats and vessels reaching the islands and strengthen the ship berthing points and heli-base by installing CCTV cameras.

Earlier, The Lakshadweep Government Employees' Union had demanded exemption to the order for government employees to go on board fishing vessels for intelligence collection. Fishers' forums too had vehemently opposed the order

The controvesial order was also interpreted as interfering with the jurisdictional powers and some of the authorities of maritime security agencies too had obejection over it, reports The Hindu citing sources.

Meanwhile, In another order issued on May 28, the administration had demanded to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, the administration had directed the islanders to scientifically dispose of the coconut shells, tree leaves, coconut husks, and tree trunks in and around dwellings and public places.

Issuing the order on hygiene and cleanliness, the administration said whoever violates or contravenes any of the directions shall be liable for punishment and fines and also be liable to criminal proceedings.

An archipelago located in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep has been witnessing protests by locals over the recent actions and administrative reforms being implemented by Patel. Defending its action, the Lakshadweep administration has said it was laying the foundation for the future of islands in a planned way and to develop it on the lines of Maldives in two decades.