Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated some recent events and murders in Maldives have been the result of religious extremism.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Home Minister Imran said such ideologies have spread to the extent that it is very common in many islands across the country.The minister said while the public have identified some of them, others keep a facade. He remarked the operation in Maduvvari, Raa Atoll as the most successful recent raids against religious extremism in Maldives, adding the operation did not violate human rights.
The home minister highlighted the operation provided Maldives Police Service (MPS) with new perspectives and developments. The minister said MPS has been monitoring other areas to conduct operations to identify people who spread extreme ideologies.He added the administration has been vigilant and is prepared to mitigate a possible disaster similar to recent bomb attacks in Sri Lanka.
Additionally, Minister Imran revealed plans of the administration to rehabilitate people with extremist practices. The minister said the ministry is planning to conduct a nationwide programme. He remarked such a programme is challenging, as the ministry must ensure people released to the public do not become a threat to the society.
Minister Imran stated the ministry also plans to set up rehabilitation and reintegration centres for extremists as highlighted by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in his presidential address. He said invididuals will be moved to the reintegration centres within the next 45 days.
The home minister expressed his grief over the acts of former administrations, saying the past governments ignored the matter for political reasons. Highlighting the current administration will be transparent, Imran agreed religious extremism is a huge challenge faced by the administration as the operation is wide and efficient. However, he assured the public that such hubs and recruiting centres will be exposed and closed.
Adding religious extremism has been a global concern, Minister Imran expressed the resolve of the administration in providing a solution to the matter.