New Delhi, July 20 -- A new report claimed on July 19 that the government of Lakshadweep is planning to take over Bitra island. The administration's move invited strong protest by the locals and Lakshadweep MP Hamdullah Sayeed, who said, "The land handed over by our ancestors is ours only. Here's all you need to know about Bitra island's takeover:

Bitra is the smallest inhabited island located in the northern region of Lakshadweep. According to the government's website, it has a length of 0.57km and a width of 0.28km at the broadest point.

It's around 483 km away from Kochi, Kerala. As per the 2011 census, the population of Bitra island is 271.

The Lakshadweep administration is considering the acquisition of Bitra for defence purposes,...