The Maldives Police Service has prevented a youth-led motorcycle demonstration as part of the “India Out” campaign against Indian military presence in the Maldives, claiming the risk of unrest.
The Maldives Police Service said in a statement that it has received information about a possible riot planned in conjunction with the demonstration, and that it will not allow the motorcycle rally to be held in a way that jeopardises public order and security.
After police obstructed the motorcycle rally, it had devolved into a massive demonstration, with some opposition supporters bursting over the police cordon. Police also used pepper spray to suppress the demonstrations and arrested one.
There was a large crowd of protesters, and the opposition announced the end of the protest at about 5:45 in the afternoon.
To further promote the “India Out” campaign, PPM leader and former President Abdulla Yameen left for the atolls on Thursday.
