Part Of A Larger Design | Why People In Lakshadweep Oppose Island Takeover Bid By Authorities

When the Lakshadweep administration issued a notification on July 11, stating that it seeks to take over the entire Bitra Island with the intent of transferring the whole property to defence and strategic agencies, the people of the Island were not shocked. They stated that it was part of a larger design being executed by the authorities over the last three years to displace people who had lived on the island for generations.

People living on the Island were unanimous in their opinion that the purpose of acquiring the Bitra Island is not to transfer it to defence and security forces. “From the notification itself, it is clear that no security agencies have sought the island for defence purposes. The Union government can acquire any land if it wants. The Lakshadweep administration acquires land to facilitate private investment. So, under the pretext of a defence purpose, the authorities are out to displace the local public,” Says Salahudheen Peechiyath, a resident of the Virigili Island.

Islanders have decided to take the matter to court if the authorities proceed with the acquisition. The notification clearly states that the consent of the people is not required for the takeover of the island.

Bitra is the smallest inhabited island in the northern region of Lakshadweep. Residents say that any move to acquire the island would impact the lives and livelihoods of the 350 people living on the island. The island features vast lagoon areas that fishermen from nearby islands use.

The Island MP, Hamdullah Sayeed, has told the media that he will stand with the people and oppose the move to displace the people from the Island.

But many of the islanders do not attach any importance to his statement. “These statements do not carry any weight. The administrator acts at the behest of the Union government. They want to convert this island into a tourist spot. For this, the inhabitants are to be relocated,” says a resident from Bitra Island.

What Is Administration Saying?

The present administrator, Praful Patel, has introduced a series of reforms that the islanders have resented since he took charge in 2020.

“The latest move is part of a larger project, as evident from the initiatives the administrator has undertaken.” says K. Bashir, a writer from the island. “Large lagoons surround Bitra. It adds to its beauty. The administration is aiming to exploit this for tourism purposes by displacing people. People have inhabited here for at least 100 years. The total takeover of the island will also affect the livelihood of the fishermen of nearby islands,” he added. “There is no panchayat on the island. There is no consultation; the administrator makes all decisions unilaterally. The authorities claim that the acquisition of Bitra Island for defence purposes is to diffuse protest. There is a modicum of democratic atmosphere prevailing in the Island, he says.

Patel was given the additional charge of administrator of Lakshadweep in December 2020. He is currently the administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The host of reforms the administrator initiated has antagonised local people. He started with a ban on the sale, storage, and slaughter of cattle on the Island. Muslims predominantly inhabit Lakshadweep. Then came the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, which empowered authorities to detain individuals for up to one year without prior notice or public disclosure. The Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation (LADR) gave authorities the power to acquire any land without the consent of the people. The administrator’s move to impose a two-child policy for contesting in panchayat elections was also resented by the public.

Although some of the reform measures initiated by the administrator require parliamentary approval, the decision to shut down dairy farms and slaughterhouses, as well as to ban meat from mid-day meals, is in effect. Though residents challenged the move, the Supreme Court in 2023 refused to intervene in the matter, stating that it is the prerogative of the administration.

“The administration has failed to gain the public’s confidence before initiating reforms,” says Ajmal Ahmad, an advocate. “From his early days in office, the administrator has shown scant regard for the welfare of the people. He is prioritising corporate interests over the welfare of the people. This was evident when the authorities amended rules to take possession of ‘pandaram’ lands,” adds Ahmad. ‘Pandaram’ lands are lands where the government has a proprietary right before the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands Land Revenue and Tenancy Regulation, 1965, was enacted. In 1985, the government clarified that ‘pandaram’ landholders would have full ownership of the land, with permanent and transferable rights. The new amendment gives authorities the power to acquire these pandaram lands without the consent of the owners. The residents have challenged the move to acquire ‘pandaram’ lands, and the court has stayed the eviction of people from these lands.

National and international attention was drawn to Lakshadweep when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the island in 2024. The Prime Minister’s video, promoting tourism on the island, went viral on social media. Some interpreted this as India’s attempt to woo tourists away from nearby Maldives. Some ministers in the Maldives who made derogatory statements against the Prime Minister after his visit were suspended.

(The author is Assistant Editor based out of Kochi, Kerala)