The opposing Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and The Democrats have accused the government of orchestrating disruptive acts during the rally held Friday to protest against the alleged sale of Maldivian waters to Mauritius.
A group of youth displayed a banner that read "India Out" shortly after the rally started at the Male Carnival Area on Friday.
The Democrats and the PPM issued statements condemning the action. In separate statements, the two parties accused government officials of being involved in planning and executing the move, describing it as an uncivilized and cowardly attempt to divert attention from the rally's true purpose.
"These people were government-funded. Prior to the rally, we received information that such a move was being planned by the government. The organizers were prepared to take peaceful measures to remove those who engaged in such actions," the PPM said in a statement.
The Democrats said in their statement that the India Out banner was displayed to show that the participants of the rally were against the Maldives' allies. The Democrats affirmed that they were not against any country.
