Lakshadweep withdraws controversial order

In the face of criticism, the Director of Port, Shipping and Navigation in Lakshadweep administration has quietly withdrawn the order for deployment of presidency workers on fishing boats.

Sachin Sharma, the director, additionally reversed the order of May 28 by which safety round ports, jetties, ships and different vessels was raised to level-2 ‘on the basis of recent intelligence inputs.’

In an e mail message to the Deputy Director (S&T), Kochi, all assistant administrators, all port assistants on island, the CSO of Lakshadweep Development Corporation Ltd (LDCL) and Assistant Commandant of CISF in Kochi on June 7, Mr. Sharma cited the orders of May 28 and June 2 ‘regarding strengthening of security in ports/ships and jetties’ and says that ‘as per further inputs, all concerned may revert back to standard protocol and SOPs (standard operating procedures) (sic).’

The Lakshadweep Government Employees’ Union had, the opposite day, taken exemption to the order asking for presidency workers to go on board fishing vessels for intelligence assortment. The order was additionally criticised by fishers’ boards. Sources mentioned maritime safety businesses have been additionally peeved with the order which was interpreted as interfering with their jurisdictional powers.

The June 2 communication was a couple of safety evaluation assembly chaired by Advisor to the union territory Administrator. It mentioned choices had been taken to deploy authorities workers on fishing craft, strengthen safety measures to watch native fishing boats and intensify checking of motorised and passenger vessels.

It had additionally ordered measures for set up of CCTV cameras at berthing ports and the helibase and baggage and passenger checking facility at Mangalore and Beypore ports. The LDCL had been requested to ‘inform ship masters to remain vigilant and alert’ and the CISF was to beef up safety of the wharf in Kochi for vessels to Lakshadweep.