Majority of the islands in Lakshadweep out of bounds for tourists

Amidst reports of rampant drug smuggling in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep administration has declared 17 out of 37 islands out of bounds for visitors citing public safety concerns, it was officially announced on December 29th.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of the island administration must provide authorization for entry into the 17 Union Territory uninhabitable isles. In this regard, a proclamation under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was made by the District Magistrate (DM) of Lakshadweep. To stop terrorist or smuggling activities on the uninhabited islands where labourers who gather coconuts live in temporary constructions, the proclamation was decided upon.

According to the administration, this decision was made because there might be individuals involved in unlawful, anti-social, and anti-national actions. “As there are temporary structures on some uninhabited islands for the purpose of housing laborers to harvest coconuts, it cannot be ruled out that along with these laborers 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 decree stated that preventative measures were required in light of the risk of terrorist groups or organizations assaulting and vandalizing significant and vital institutions of the nation and populated locations.

"I find it appropriate to prohibit entry without prior written permission in the 17 uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep," the DM wrote in the order. These steps were taken 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 paramilitary, industrial, and religious places of the country, endangering public safety, said the order.

The order said the violators will face penalties under section 188 of the IPC (disobedience to order properly proclaimed by public servant), which calls for a jail sentence of one to six months or a fine.