Moves against cultural identity and rights of people of Lakshadweep must be resisted: Popular Front
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 25 2021: Popular Front of India Chairman O MA Salam, in his latest statement, has called on the democratic forces in the country to come forward to resist the central government moves that will endanger religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the civil rights of the indigenous people of Lakshadweep Islands.

The regulations and reforms being promulgated in Lakshadweep Islands after Praful Patel took charge as the new Central Administrator of the UT are deeply concerning and violates fundamental rights of the people, alleged Popular Front of India in a statement issued today.

The unprecedented authoritarian measures being adopted under his administration can have a devastating impact not only on the daily lives of the islanders and destroy their unique culture and customs, but also will further damage the biodiversity and environment of the entire archipelago.

The decision to enforce a beef ban and the removal of beef from the school mid-day meal menu is also affecting the predominant Muslim population, added the statement.

Presently there are attempts to bring in the draconian Goonda Act in Lakshadweep, which is one of the most peaceful territories in the country with the lowest crime rate and prison population.

This should be considered a prelude to the repressive actions that await any political dissent that may arise on the island.

Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation undemocratically and unjustifiably restricts land usage and ownership of the islanders while granting unrestrained power to the government to acquire any land in the name of development.

The government is now demolishing the sheds used by the fisher folk for parking their boats and storage purposes without any prior notice under the pretext of Coastal Regulation Zone norms.

Popular Front of India alleged that this is an attack on the livelihood of the people.

It is to be remembered that the majority of the islanders depend on fishing for their living.

Hundreds of temporary labourers were dismissed from tourism and other government departments.

Strange laws and restrictions that are not in force anywhere on the mainland are being imposed on the people of the Island.

For instance, the draft Lakshadweep Panchayat Regulation bars people with more than two children from contesting in local body elections.

Lakshadweep is more than just a tropical paradise for our holiday getaways.

It is home to people that have equal rights as all the citizens of India in addition to the special rights bestowed on them as a Scheduled Tribe.

They have their own religious cultural and linguistic identity.

Any attempt to take away their civil rights and endanger their unique identity is fascism.

Popular Front calls upon all democratic forces in the country to come forward and resist the repressive moves against the indigenous people of Lakshadweep.

Communist Party of India (Central Office) also appealed the President of India to take note of the misuse of official machinery and recall the Lakshadweep Administrator.

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