In a latest development, the Lakshadweep administration has banned entry of both locals and outsiders to 17 of the total 36 islands of the archipelago in the Arabian Sea.

Referring to this, the District Magistrate (DM) of Lakshadweep issued a proclamation under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), citing national security and public safety concerns.

Reportedly, the decision is taken to prevent terrorist or smuggling activities on the islands, which have temporary structures. The administration further added that there is probability that there could be people involved in illegal, anti-national, and anti-social activities and hence, the decision.

As per the official order, there are temporary structures on some uninhabited islands for the purpose of housing labourers to harvest coconuts,and it cannot be ruled out that along with these labourers, there are people who engage in illegal, anti-social and anti-national activities, such as smuggling, seeking shelter, or hideout for hiding weapons or narcotics.

The order further added that it’s a precautionary measure that has been taken keeping in mind the possibility of terror groups or other such organisations planning and carrying out attacks at key institutions of the country and crowded places.

The DM also added that 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 para-military, industrial and religious places of the country, endangering public safety, entry is prohibited without prior written permission in the 17 uninhabited islands of Lakshadweep.

Do note, only those who manage to obtain permission for entry from the sub-divisional magistrate will be allowed to enter the said islands.