Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the Maldives Police Service (MPS) allows no leeway for illegal activities in relation to the opposition’s India Out campaign. He made the remarks at the Parliament of the Maldives while responding to questions regarding the work of MPS to stop the India Out campaign.
Responding to the questions, Minister Imran said MPS is currently working with the Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services to respond to the India Out campaign in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations. The minister said the police service has also met with opposition leaders who are planning to hold a large gathering and warned them against taking any illegal action.
Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed has said the India Out campaign led by the opposition is a threat to national security and public safety and the direct targeting of a bilateral partner of the Maldives can have a serious impact on the whole country, noting even the MPS has established partnerships with institutions from other countries.
The Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services began an inquiry into the India Out campaign following a request by Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. During the review meeting held by the committee, Speaker Nasheed highlighted the importance of identifying the consequences of conducting a destructive campaign targeting a specific country with which the Maldives has established diplomatic relations. He noted it is important to analyse the possible reaction to such a campaign from the targeted country and possible consequences on the Maldivian people.
The India Out campaign by the opposition has drawn strong condemnation from the main ruling party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as well as other parties in the government coalition.