Maldives Police Service has officially informed the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) that they cannot go ahead with the 'India Out' rally planned for Friday.
The opposition's India Out campaign seeks to drive out Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. The movement has gained momentum in recent months, especially in the atolls. Both the government and Parliament are attempting to stop the campaign, although the opposition has said they would not stop the movement at any cost.
The police on Wednesday met with PPM's events committee at Iskandharu Koshi and informed them that the event planned for Friday cannot be held.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, former Hulhudhoo MP from PPM, Mohamed 'Shaadu' Shahid, said the police blocked the event after making baseless allegations against the event organizers.
Shahid said they assured the police that the event was not intended to create unrest or attack anyone. He said the organizers told the police said the event would be held as per the rights assured in the Constitution.
'While the Constitution clearly states the roles and responsibilities of political parties, simply standing by without taking any action is not the role of a political party,' he said.
PPM's Spokesperson, Heena Waleed, said freedom of assembly and expression are rights assured to every citizen by the Constitution. While PPM's event will conform to rules and regulations, Friday's event will be held despite the police's instruction to stop the event, she said.
The opposing coalition has said many supporters will be traveling to the capital Male' for Friday's event. Around 4,000 people are expected to join the event from the atolls.
