Special Operations officers of Maldives Police Service had attended the artificial beach area a while back to break ranks of the opposition supporters 'celebrating their victory.'
Moments after Supreme Court had annulled the anti-defection ruling, reverting the floor-crossed lawmakers' deposed status back to active the opposition had gathered outside the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) camp at artificial beach vicinity.
Officers in riot-gear armed with batons and shields attended the area ordering the mob to disperse and return home. However, their orders were met with defiance from the opposition supporters who did not fall back.
Following this, officers had fired tear-gas canisters on site to break their ranks. Officers had managed to temporarily push the opposition supporters as back as Cibo cafe' on Boduthakurufaanu Magu, towards Chatime.
However, moments after the tear gas dust settled and cleared the air, opposition supporters had once again thrust back towards the Police barricade which was placed at the T-section of Cibo cafe'. The momentum of the hoard of supporters had pushed officers back up to Oxygen cafe' - nearly 15 feet back from the original barricade position.
Supporters had seemingly dispersed after Special Operations officers had pushed them off from their initial rendezvous location. However, some still retain in front of Oxygen cafe' (artificial beach vicinity) while a few minutes earlier, south-Galolhu constituency lawmaker Ahmed Mahloof who flew back to Maldives on Wednesday, had visited the area and spoke with media.
While speaking with media, Mahloof said that his resolve in the movement will not be hinged and he will stay in his position at the rally til the last minute.
