Today, Lakshadweep will be the venue for the first mass agitation since the formation of the Save Lakshadweep Forum.

With the decision to strictly enforce the order for non-natives to return from Lakshadweep, workers, including Malayalees, are returning en masse. More than 10,000 outsiders were on the island in connection with various jobs.

In addition to Kerala, it includes people from states like Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Odisha and Assam. The main tasks are building, climbing, haircuts, sewing etc. Most of the crew were guest workers on the ship that left Kavaratti for Kochi on Saturday. The Save Lakshadweep Forum alleged that there were ulterior motives behind the expulsion of other locals and an attempt to isolate the island people.

The restriction on Lakshadweep travel was tightened on the 29th of last month. Accordingly, entry to the island will be permitted only through ADM. Yesterday was the last date for those who had arrived on the island after receiving earlier approval. If you want to continue, the ADM must grant the application through the concerned departments and extend the approval. Not only is this not easy, but it is often rejected due to the covid lock-down, night curfew, etc.

The permit period is 3 months for workers. Previously it was given for up to 6 months but in the meantime, it was tripled. Until the beginning of this year, there were about 5,000 guest workers in Kavaratti alone.

Fasting on the island today

Lakshadweep will be the venue for the first mass agitation since the formation of the Save Lakshadweep Forum today. The islanders will fast for 12 hours today, irrespective of political differences. The strike is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in their own homes without breaking the covid standards. Black flags and posters will be placed in the houses. Institutions other than the medical shop will be closed.