Published Jun 09, 2026 | 9:56 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 09, 2026 | 9:56 AM
Protest over the arrest of Congress and NCP workers in Lakshadweep.
Synopsis: Lakshadweep witnessed protests over the arrest of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress workers, sparking concerns over the right to peaceful protest in the islands. So far, 19 Congress workers and 15 NCP workers have been arrested in connection with a recent protest led by Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Hamdulla Sayeed,
Lakshadweep administration is facing backlash on Monday, 8 June, over the arrest of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress workers, sparking concerns over the right to peaceful protest in the islands.
So far, 19 Congress workers and 15 NCP workers have been arrested in connection with a recent protest led by Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Hamdulla Sayeed, who has been named the first accused in the case.
The protest was organised against the proposed amendments to land laws and the cutting of coconut trees without the consent of landowners by the Lakshadweep administration.
Police have invoked Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act (PDPPA) along with several other charges.
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Speaking to South First, Sayeed maintained that the protest was peaceful and did not involve any flammable materials or acts of violence. The arrested protesters were produced before the Amini court and later shifted to jails in Amini and Kavaratti.
In a video, Sayeed said that the Lakshadweep administration has been making decisions against the interests of the people in the archipelago, and the protest challenged that. He added that despite taking permission from the authorities concerned, cases were filed against the workers.
Congress worker Sabith alleged that denying permission for peaceful protests amounts to a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights. Sayeed echoed the concern, arguing that restrictions on peaceful demonstrations undermine democratic freedoms in Lakshadweep.
Further developments are expected on Tuesday, including the filing of writ petitions before the Kerala High Court challenging what protesters describe as unilateral interventions by the administration in the islands.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
