MPS begins removing India Out banners

Maldives Police Service (MPS) have begun entering private residences and removing banners calling for the removal of Indian military officials stationed in the Maldives.

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Spokesperson Heena Waleed reported that MPS officers on Thursday had entered the Party head office, located on H. Hurafa, and removed the banner.

Heena further said that MPS officers had entered the premises under a search order, but were informed that any items can be removed if the officers see fit. She added that MPS had informed that they will be entering any premises displaying the banners and removing them.

The court order said that banners were confiscated as evidence of an ongoing investigation. It had quoted clause 615 (a) (6) of the Penal Code, Police said that the sentiments of those banners "creates a hazardous, physically offensive, or seriously alarming condition by an act that serves no legitimate purpose" and therefore, the banners have to be removed.

MPS on Wednesday dispatched a notice to H. Hurafa, the official address of the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), stating that the banner hung on the residence needs to be removed. The notice further said that any sentiments, displays, or depictions denigrating another country, damaging bilateral relations between other nations and the Maldives, and harming Maldivians living abroad cannot be allowed.

In addition to PPM headquarters, Police had entered the premises of President Abdullah Yameen and removed the banner hung on that residence as well.

The notices and removal came a day after Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed spoke against the India Out movement. The grassroots movement began as a result of the secretive nature of agreements between the two nations and the Government of Maldives’ hesitancy in providing details, in spite of the public interest in the matter.