17 Lakshadweep Islands Become 'No Go Zones' As Admin Bans Entry There Over Security Concerns

The Lakshadweep administration has prohibited the entry of both locals and outsiders into 17 of the total 36 islands of the archipelago in the Arabian Sea.

The District Magistrate (DM) of Lakshadweep issued a proclamation under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in this regard citing national security and public safety concerns. 

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Why entry has been banned in 17 islands

The decision was taken on Wednesday to prevent terrorist or smuggling activities on the uninhabited islands which have temporary structures as houses of labourers who harvest coconuts.

The administration said there could be people involving in illegal, anti-social and anti-national activities, hence the decision.

“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.

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Precautionary measure: admin

Considering the possibility of terror groups or organisations attacking and vandalising important and key institutions of the country and crowded places, the order said, precautionary measures were necessary.

“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,” the DM said in the order.

Only those who obtain permission for entry from the sub-divisional magistrate will be allowed to enter the 17 are uninhabited isles of the Union Territory.

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It warned violators of punishment 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.

Drug seizure off Lakshadweep coast

In May this year, 220 kg heroin, valued at over Rs 1,500 crore in the international market, was seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Coast Guard off the Lakshadweep coast from two fishing boats.

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