Eight people have been arrested in relation to the vandalism of Alifu Alifu atoll Thoddoo Atoll Council motivated by the decision to extend the duration of issuing farm plots from one of three agriculture regions in the island.
Eight locals were arrested today in connection with the vandalism of the Alifu Alifu atoll Thoddoo Council office premises. The incident, was motivated by conflicts over farm land issues.
A police media official stated that eight suspects have been arrested under a court order in connection with instigating altercations and throwing stones at the council office's roof.
No additional information was disclosed as the case is currently under investigation.
Locals held a protest on Wednesday last week in front of the Thoddoo Council office to express disapproval over the council's land use plan. The protest centered around the council's decision to extend the period of issuing land plots for agricultural use from one of the three farm lands in Thoddoo from the initial duration of five years to an extended period of fifteen years.
President of the Council, Ahmed Karam stated that one of these farms is dedicated to producing watermelon for the month of Ramadan. He said that although the remaining two farm lands are leased for a five year period, this duration is not feasible for investing in sustainable farming which uses modern technology.
Hence, the council had reached a decision to extend the duration of the third farming land.
"A protest was held to call for a change in this decision of the council and take another vote. About 20 people had joined this [protest]," said Karam.
He added that 800 squarefeet of land will be issued from this designated farm land, inclusive of water and electricity supply.
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