Kavaratti, Oct 2: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that no one in the world can dare to question or doubt the patriotism of the Muslim populace in Lakshadweep or even the other inhabitants of the islands as they have thwarted attempts of anti-India forces to brew trouble or instigate the people there against the country.

"No one on Earth can dare to doubt the patriotism of the Muslim people in Lakshadweep. No one can put a question mark on the patriotism of the people of Lakshadweep," Singh said during his speech on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Lakshadweep on the occasion of his 152nd birth anniversary.

"A statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been unveiled in Kavaratti on the occasion of his Jayanti. My humble tributes to Pujya Bapu," Singh tweeted after unveiling the statue.

This is the first ever statue in Lakshadweep islands to commemorate the contribution of great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the cause of India's independence.

Earlier, Singh, who arrived in the islands on a two-day official visit, was received by Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel at Agatti airport.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to Singh on his arrival at Kavaratti by the Indian Reserve Battalion Force, Defence sources said.

A group of folk dancers performed the traditional art form (Parichakali).

School children and local people greeted the Defence Minister by standing on the roadside from the helipad to the guest house.

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Mysuru, Jul 27 (PTI): A MDMA drug manufacturing facility was raided here by Maharashtra police in coordination with the Mysuru City police, police sources said on Sunday.

MDMA or ecstasy was reportedly being manufactured at the facility. A large quantity of the drug was seized during the raid on Saturday, they said.

Four persons have been arrested and have been taken to Mumbai, police sources said.

Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the raid by the Maharashtra police in coordination with Mysuru police.

Speaking to reporters in Davangere, he said, "In Mysuru an MDMA manufacturing facility was raided by Mumbai police. Based on the information they got from a person arrested by them, they came and requested our police. They have caught some people. This is really worrying. Further action is being taken."

Parameshwara said an investigation will be conducted and, based on the information gathered, action will be taken.

Karnataka police will also investigate. "This has happened in our state. Where have all they supplied? How long have they been functioning? Was it newly started? All those things will be looked into. It is said that they were functioning for 20 days. Maybe they were active earlier too. Our police will also inquire," he said.

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