Parliamentary group of ruling MDP approves to submit a bill to stop opposition leader and former president Abdullah Yamin’s “India Out” movement in light of the potential negative impact on the country’s foreign relations.
In an interview with Mihaaru, MDP’s parliamentary group leader Ali Azim stated that the bill will be proposed to the parliament next week.
"We passed the draft bill by submitting it to the Parliament as it stands, and bringing necessary changes to it during the committee stage," said Azim.
Speaker of the Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed has submitted the bill to the National Security Committee for review due to the potential damaging consequences of this movement. The committee is currently investigating the matter and will inspect adverse damages caused by the "India Out" movement.
Home Minister Imran Abdullah and Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed have been summoned to the committee. Speaking at the committee, the Commissioner of Police said that while millions of dollars are spent on the event, individuals involved in the sale of illicit narcotics are taking part in it.
According to the draft aimed at the opposition campaign, the purpose of the bill is to prevent acts that could adversely affect foreign relations and relations between India and Maldives. A heavy fine and prison sentence have been imposed.
According to the draft, such an act is believed to be carried out in accordance with legal and international standards and the principles accepted by both countries, by protesting against the government and institution of a particular country, which symbolizes the Maldives in the name of the people.
The bill also makes it a crime to carry out political activities against a particular country to show the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Maldives under the slavery of a country or under military, political and economic power.
The opposition has expressed its displeasure over a bill that obstructs freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution. Senior opposition figures have said that even if a bill is enacted, the "India Out" campaign will not be stopped and will continue throughout the Maldives.
Their concern is the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives. The opposition has called for the release of Indian officers, saying it would pose a threat to the national security of the Maldives.
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