Data | Beef ban, liquor sales, 'goonda act': a storm over Lakshadweep islands

A draft law called Prevention of Anti-Social Activities has also raised eyebrows, given that the archipelago has the lowest crime rate among States/U.T.s

A series of administrator Praful Khoda Patel has sparked widespread criticism. Regulations that have been introduced are perceived to be a threat to the cultural identity of the inhabitants and the sensitive ecology of the region. The draft notification for the creation of the Development Authority, which makes provision "for acquisition and development of land for planning", is widely opposed by the islanders, 94.8% of whom are Scheduled Tribes, given that 97% of the Union Territory's land is under forest/tree cover. A draft regulation that penalises selling or buying beef products has come under heavy criticism given that 64.8% of the population consume beef. A draft law called Prevention of Anti-Social Activities has raised eyebrows, given that the archipelago has the lowest crime rate among States. The move to lift the restriction on use of alcohol was also decried given that Lakshadweep has the lowest alcohol use in India.