Maldives Police Service (MPS) has stated it will disperse the opposition rally scheduled for March 25.
The opposition coalition consisting of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) plans to hold the India Out rally on March 25, from 1600hrs to 1800hrs.
In a press release, MPS stated it has received information that the rally is being organised in a way that violates the right to hold peaceful gatherings by bringing in residents from atolls and planning to use vehicles to block the streets in Male’ City to stop traffic and inconvenience citizens. The police service stated that opposition leaders have also planned to organise rallies in various parts of the city with the participation of local gangs. Therefore, MPS stated it has urged PPM not to hold the rally and warned that action will be taken against individuals who participate in the rally, as it is a threat to national security. It added that officers will search vehicles and vessels used in the rally.
The India Out campaign by the opposition has drawn strong condemnation from the government coalition parties, while the national security services warned of the possible consequences to national security and bilateral ties due to the campaign. The Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services has also carried out an inquiry into the effects and possible consequences of the campaign.