Lakshadweep residents were on a 12-hour hunger strike on Monday. The hunger strike was to protest against three proposed rules governing tourism, cattle and panchayat elections. The island-residents fear that the proposed rules will destroy the unique culture and tradition of the island, home to around 70,000 residents. It was an unprecedented protest given that people living on Lakshadweep, cutting across party lines, were observing a half day hunger strike. This was the first mass agitation on the islands since the formation of the Save Lakshadweep Forum (SLF).

The SLF is a body floated to channelize mounting protests against the rules. The body said that local residents will fast in their homes and all shops and establishments, except emergency services, will stay closed from 6am to 6pm during the first major protest in the archipelago in the Arabian Sea. Administration in the island led by Praful Khoda Patel, has warned of strict action under the pandemic laws to deter crowding at public places.

The Island UT has been witnessing protests recently over the administrative reforms being implemented by island administrator Praful Khoda Patel.

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Black flags and posters were put up at the homes of the islanders with all institutions other than medical shops slated to remain shut during the strike.

UCK Thangal, one of the convenors of the Save Lakshadweep forum said, “This is the first time all islands are observing such a protest. Though we have been assured repeatedly that local sentiments will be heard and addressed, the administrator is going ahead with his partisan and retrograde decisions.”

Lakshadweep is an archipelago in Arabian Sea comprising 37 tiny islands including 11 inhabited by humans. Its residents have been protesting against Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation (2021) that proposes to develop the islands as a major tourist destination. Residents allege that it will destroy the islands’ character and identity since 97% of the islands are covered by pristine forests and 95% of its population belongs to the protected scheduled tribe category.