Lakshadweep Collector: People with vested interests are protesting

Even as public anger in Lakshadweep intensified over the controversial proposals brought by Administrator Praful Khoda Patel, the island collector on Thursday defended the administration, saying the steps were aimed at the progress and welfare of the residents. Speaking to journalists in Kochi on Thursday, Collector S Askar Ali alleged that “people with vested interests are affected by the administration” and are promoting a “misinformation campaign” against the proposals. He said that the administration is continuously working for the prosperity and future of the residents of the island. “Outside Lakshadweep, people are protesting with vested interests and propaganda. But there is still a lot of peace in Lakshadweep. Whatever we do, we do it through the democratic process. ” He listed the development projects undertaken on the island,

Supply of essential commodities on the islands at the northern end. On the proposal to serve liquor in the resorts of the inhabited islands, the collector said that permits would be granted only at “selected tourist establishments only for tourists” and not for islanders. Earlier, liquor was allowed only in resorts on the uninhabited island of Bangaram. Referring to the proposal to bring anti-goon law, the collector said that to prevent the youth from being misled, stringent laws are needed. “A few days ago, 300 kg of heroin and five AK-47 rifles and 1,000 live rounds were seized with an international value of Rs 3,000 crore. There have been many cases of illegal smuggling of cannabis, liquor and poxos. The future of youth is likely to be bleak due to illegal occupation. Keeping this in mind, strict and stringent laws are needed so that the youth are not misled. People with vested interests in illegal business are campaigning against the enforcement of strict laws. On notification of a ban on contesting panchayat elections with more than two children, he clarified that this provision would only apply to parents of infants born after the due date of notification. .