Protest against President in Vilimale

Supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protested against President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s visit to Vilimalé today, and tried to hinder the President’s program there with violence.

The President’s visit this afternoon to Vilimalé is his first to the fifth ward of Malé as President, and he was welcomed warmly by a large crowd of people at Vilimalé Jetty Area. However, there was a small group of MDP supporters, and it was this group that protested against the President’s visit. They were supporting placards that read sentiments against the government of Dr. Waheed.

A group of MDP supporters also tried to block the President’s car and attack it, while it was on the way to the Health Centre, and they were confronted by supporters of the Government, and there was a small confrontation between the two groups.

After visiting the Health Centre, the President visited the Dockyard at Vilimalé, in a vehicle of the security forces. After that, he observed the areas where the island is experiencing erosion problems.

The President also visited the Kudakudhinge Hiya orphanage, and the Ward Office, as well as Vilimalé Youth Centre.

The President walked his way visiting the government offices at Vilimalé, and he met with a large number of people, including children, while he was there.

MDP supporters also tried to penetrate police barricade lines and to reach the President, while he was visiting the Muhyiddin School. The Police had to use pepper spray and force to contain the violent protesters and keep them at bay. Three persons were arrested too.

The President’s visit to Vilimalé was concluded with a special meeting at Muhyiddin School. In his address at the meeting, the President said that former President Nasheed had completely ignored Vilimalé, and that all he saw was buildings and public in disrepair and bad shape. He promised that his government would do all that is necessary for the development of Vilimalé. Mohamed Nihan, MP for Vilimalé, Mohamed Shareef, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Ahmed Jamsheed, Minister of Health, also spoke at the meeting.

After the meeting at Muhyiddin School, the President said his afternoon prayers, and then walked back to the Jetty Area, under the haikkolhu, which was a traditional way of paying highest respect to the King in the country. The haikkolhu was accompanied by an enthusiastic band of traditional boduberu musicians as well.