Strong Resistance As Government Notifies 'Entire Takeover' Of Lakshadweep Island Bitra For Defense Purposes (Photo on X@__Malli)

Bitra Island, Lakshadweep: The Union Government is reportedly planning to take over Bitra Island, one of the 10 inhabited Islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, for defense purposes. Amid the government’s move, locals are all set to resist the takeover as there are approximately 105 families staying on the island currently.

The Island revenue department on July 11 issued a notification, informing people of its intention to transfer the entire island to defense and strategic agencies. The department cited that it is planning to transfer the island to defense considering its “strategic location” and “national security relevance.”

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The notification states that it is a proposal for the acquisition of the “entire land area of Bitra” Island in the union territory of Lakshadweep with the intent of transferring the same to the relevant defense and strategic agencies of the government of India.

However, locals are planning to strongly oppose the action, and Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed asserted that the move will be opposed tooth and nail, alleging that it was aimed at disrupting peace in the area. The MP assuaged the locals not to worry or be anxious about the government takeover notification while vowing to fight for the Bitra islanders. “We have decided to fight with the people of Bitra, politically and legally,” the MP said at an event, noting that the government has already acquired lands on several Islands. The  Ministry of Defence had last year announced the commissioning of a new naval base, INS Jatayu, in Lakshadweep’s Minicoy island.

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However, the central government’s decision to take over the Island to use for defence-related activities has left many people anxious about their land, culture, and future. The notification for a social impact assessment (SIA) for the Bitra island had pointed out the plan is required under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

Assigning the Department of Revenue as the project developer, it noted that the process would involve consultations with all stakeholders in the proposed area, including the gram sabha

t added that an SIA is required under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. It identified the Department of Revenue as the project developer and noted that the process would involve consultations with all stakeholders in the proposed area, including the gram sabha.