Maldives Police Service has commenced an investigation after papers with the 'India Out' slogan were strewn on Male' City streets.
The papers were scattered in front of the President's Office, the Indian High Commission, and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid's residence in the early hours of Thursday. MPS said a case had been filed with the police and that an investigation had been launched. The police did not state whether any arrests had been made in relation to the case.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih recently declared via a Presidential Decree that the 'India Out' movement led by the opposition as a threat to national security. The President instructed relevant authorities to enforce the order to stop the movement and its activities.
Since then, the police have been actively removing banners and posters with the 'India Out' slogan.
Spearheaded by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, the opposition is carrying out an 'India Out' campaign to drive out Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. The movement has gained momentum in recent months. Despite assurances by the government that India poses no risk to the Maldives, the opposition continues to assert that India exerts undue influence on the Maldives and threatens national security and the country's independence. The opposition has said they would not stop the movement despite restrictions.
