Protest against GMR held at sea

“The Maldivian Citizens' National Movement” has held a dhoni-ride protest against Indian company GMR, the present operator of Male' International Airport.

Protesters called for the cancellation of the agreement between the government and GMR, saying that the agreement was made against the laws of Maldives.

About fifteen dhonis participated in the protest which commenced yesterday evening from the Foreign Ministry area in Male'.

The dhonis were decorated with Maldivian flags, and most of them had banners saying “GMR MUST GO” on the sides. The protesters were wearing t-shirts which had similar expressions printed on them.

The protesters said that the airport is an asset which belongs to Maldivians, and that they are prepared to make sacrifices to reclaim it.

They said that the airport was “sold to GMR” by former President Mohamed Nasheed, and that it is a direct act of corruption.

Chief organiser of the event, President of Adhaalath Party Sheikh Imran Abdullah said that the series of activities will be concluded on 16 November with a remarkable activity.

Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Umar Naseer told Sun Online that the activities will not be concluded before the airport is freed from GMR.

Protesters did not attempt to get off the dhonis on to the airport island yesterday. The area was patrolled by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to ensure that the protesters did not go on the airport.

As the protesters concluded the event and returned to Male' at around 7:30pm, they were met by a group of people who used offensive language at the them as well as the Police officers in the area. The group included people often seen at Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protests.

“The Maldivian Citizens' National Movement” has said that the agreement between the Maldivian government and GMR must be cancelled before 15 November.