Lakshadweep, a normally tranquil group of islands off the south-west coast of India, is simmering with tension over new rules and proposals being introduced by a lawmaker from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Located in the Arabian Sea, with white sands and clear blue waters, Lakshadweep is often called India's Maldives. Located nearly 500 km (300 miles) off Kerala, Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands with a population of about 65,000, predominantly Muslims. Islanders depend on Kerala for logistical support, and on Monday, the Kerala legislative assembly passed an unanimous resolution, moved by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, demanding the recall of Lakshadweep administrator Patel. "We will keep protesting until he (Patel) is revoked from the post of administrator," said Azeem Fayiz, central committee member of the Lakshadweep Students Association.

Source: Mint May 31, 2021 23:48 UTC