Mass protest for reclaiming airport from GMR postponed

The mass protest planned by political parties for 3 November to urge the government to reclaim the airport from its current operator, GMR, has been postponed.

The coalition formed for this purpose, ‘Maldivian National Movement’ has announced that instead of holding a protest, the week commencing on 3 November will be celebrated as ‘Airport Week’.

Speaking at a press conference at Traders Hotel today, President of Adhaalath Party Sheikh Imran Abdullah said that the purpose of celebrating an Airport Week is to expand the efforts to reclaim the airport.

He informed that a Committee had been formed to lead the activities, and that the Committee had decided to postpone the mass protest to 9 November.

This decision was made due to the delay in school exams this year and the government’s plans to celebrate Victory Day on 3 November.

Vice President of Civil Society Coalition and Minister of State for Home Affairs Abdullah Mohamed said at the press conference, that various activities will be held before the Airport Week, such as putting up banners across Malé against the award of the airport to a foreign group, and the launching of books of the same theme.

He said that the festive celebrations of Airport Week will include a ‘vehicle round’ in Malé, launching of songs and a special logo.

Abdullah Mohamed said that further details such as the times for the events will be announced not earlier than one day before the activities take place.

“That is to prevent anyone from obstructing these activities,” he said.

Letters will also be delivered to every household, against the airport being operated by a foreign group.

Sheikh Imran expressed confidence that the movement will be a success, and said that the activities will assist the government in their efforts for the same cause.