Lakshadweep to deploy officials on fishing boats

Kochi, June 6

Amid protests by islanders against its “reform” measures, the Lakshadweep island administration has taken a set of decisions, including deputing government officials onboard local fishing boats for intelligence gathering.

The administration also issued a new order on managing cleanliness and hygiene, on June 4, directing the people of the islands to scientifically dispose of the tender coconut shell, tree leaves, coconut husk, coconut shell and trunk in and around dwelling and public places.

Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal attacked the administration for its new directives, terming these as a “mockery”. It was on May 28 that a meeting chaired by Principal Secretary-cum-Adviser to the Administrator decided to depute responsible government servants onboard local fishing boats for intelligence gathering.

The meeting also decided to strengthen the security measures to monitor the local fishing boats and crews, intensify checking of passenger boats and vessels reaching the islands and strengthen the ship berthing points and helibase by installing CCTV cameras.

The administration later gave directions to officials concerned to initiate action as per decisions taken on the meeting. — PTI