People hold novel stir over new rules

The people of Lakshadweep on Monday observed a 12-hour hunger strike 6 am to 6 pm, to protest against a set of new regulations which they fear will destroy the unique culture and tradition of the island. Residents of the archipelago said this is the first time they are resorting to a stir to register their protest against “unilateral and retrograde decisions” of the new administrator, Praful Khoda Patel. “Such protests are alien to our land. We hope authorities will realise our sentiments and rise up to the occasion,” said Naseema Ashraf, a student.