Lakshadweep admin bans entry to 17 islands; cites national security

Kavaratti: The administration in Lakshadweep banned entry to 17 of its 36 islands, saying that there are national security and public safety concerns. Now, people needed permission from the sub-divisional magistrate for entrance into the 17 uninhabited islands, PTI reported.

Under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The District Magistrate has issued a notification on the matter. The decision of same was met on Wednesday to prevent alleged terrorist or smuggling activities on the islands, where there are temporary houses for labourers who harvest coconuts.

According to the administration, there could be illegal, anti-social and anti-national activities happening in these islands.

“As there are temporary structures on some uninhabited islands for the purpose of housing labourers to harvest coconuts, it cannot be ruled out that along with these labourers, there are persons who engage in illegal, anti-social and anti-national activities such as smuggling, seeking shelter or hideout for hiding weapons or narcotics,” the order read.

The order said that in view of the possible attack and vandalisation of important institutions of the country and crowded places by terror groups, it is necessary to take precautionary measures.

“To prevent fear and terror among the people through terrorism, violence and the possibility of anti-national, smuggling, illegal and anti-social activities as well as attacks on important military and para-military, industrial and religious places of the country, endangering public safety, I find it appropriate to prohibit entry without prior written permission in the 17 uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep,” DM said in the order.

Those violating the order will be punished under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the IPC, which provides for a jail term between one and six months or a fine.