![](https://lipr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/vs.png)
Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep are the group of islands in Indian Ocean which were given to India against the principles and provisions of Indian Independence Act 1947 by British government.
British kept these Nicobar Islands with them till 1950 when the group of Islands were handed over to India instead of giving Pakistan its share. In order to avoid a possible political turmoil; because of unjust division of these Nicobar Islands, India declared it as Union Territory in 1956 which is controlled by Lieutenant Governor. Nicobar & Lakshadweep islands
Lakshadweep (Muslim majority) Islands were handed over to India instead of Pakistan by ignoring the Muslim majority right. These Islands are the smallest Union Territory of India with total surface area of 32 sq. km. Lagoon covers 4,200 sq. km, the territorial waters are 20,000 sq. km and the exclusive economic zone area 400,000 sq. km. Nicobar & Lakshadweep islands
Population of Lakshadweep Archipelago is 65,998 out of which Muslims are 96.58% and Hindus are 2.77%. It was not only a Muslim majority area, but was also a Muslim ruled princely state and her legal & moral right was snatched by India.
Out of insecurity, in Dec 2018 PM Modi changed the names of following Islands to Hindu tones by abolishing Christian legacy. a)-Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep. b)- Neil Island as Shaheed Dweep. c)- Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep. Military base in Nicobar is boosting Indian military posture in Indian Ocean.
Considering the principles & provisions of Indian Independence Act 1947 and the rights of Pakistan, it is obligatory on UN to handover the one of the two archipelagos to Pakistan as the Act is not repealed by UK and is still in effect. Nicobar Archipelago being geographically closer to Pakistan should be handed over to Pakistan.
Please visit our website London Institute of Peace Research for latest peace news