‘India Out’ sprayed in front of Ambassador’s residence

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25 May 2022  The Maldives Journal
Activists have sprayed “India Out” right in front of the residence of the Indian Ambassador.
The sentiment was sprayed right in front of Amin Avenue residences in Hulhumale’, in bright red.
Activists had previously sprayed this on the walls of the residences of Qasim Ibrahim, leader of Jumhooree Party. Jumhooree Party is a coalition partner in the current administration.
Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi’s residence was also a casualty in this movement, as well as the residence of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. President Gayoom is the half-brother of opposition leader, President Abdullah Yameen. He is also a coalition partner.
The initiative began after authorities released an individual suspected of having spray painted warning messages on President Yameen’s residence.
The India Out movement has been championed by the opposition and President Yameen. It calls for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country, under various guises. It also calls for an end to secretive agreements made between the two nations.
The Government, in April, criminalized the movement, citing that it was a threat to national security. The decree had mandated agencies to take action against the movement. Since then, Maldives Police Service (MPS) had removed several “India Out” banners and used disproportionate force on protesters.