Lakshadweep Administrator To Visit Islands Amid Protest By Opposition Parties

Save Lakshadweep Forum, a platform of various political parties opposing Praful Khoda Patel's reform measures in the islands, said the islanders will observe black day wearing black masks and raising black flags at houses during the administrator's visit concluding on June 20.

Amid protest by opposition parties, Lakshadweep administrator Praful Khoda Patel will begin his week-long visit to the islands on Monday during which he will review the ambitious projects of the administration including Smart City, hospitals and eco-tourism. Save Lakshadweep Forum, a platform of various political parties opposing Mr Patel's reform measures in the islands, said the islanders will observe black day wearing black masks and raising black flags at houses during the administrator's visit concluding on June 20. Forum leaders said they will give a representation to the administrator's office seeking the withdrawal of anti- people policies of the administration. "If he invites us for a discussion, our representatives will meet him. Repeal of the proposed Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, the Lakshadweep Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation (PASA or the Goondas Act) and the Lakshadweep Animal Preservation Regulation (LAPR) are our major demands. If he accepts our demand, we will cooperate with the administration," a forum leader told PTI.