Parliamentary motion calls for 'force' to combat extremism
MP Waheed raised a motion in the parliament to enlist a special military task force to battle with rising extremism in the Maldives.
By
Azuhaar Abdul Azeez
A motion has been put forward in parliament on Wednesday, calling for a special military task force to battle the threats from rising Islamic radicalism in Maldives.
The motion proposed by Ungoofaaru MP Mohamed Waheed was accepted by 25 votes and was even opened for debate. No votes were made against this motion.
Waheed said in Wednesday's parliamentary session that the relevant authorities were reluctant to take action against the rising tide of extremism propagating acts of terror in the country. He added that it is high time that the government of Maldives stood up with a new resolution to combat such acts, and ensure safety within the community.
He outlined some factors in the motion to take note:
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Create a proportionate and necessary task force consisting of and commanded by security services and other relevant governmental entities to take action to liberate civilian populations and halt atrocity crimes.
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This taskforce should monitor mosques and relevant educational institutes to prevent and eradicate the support-bases of violent extremism.
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The taskforce should isolate and rehabilitate any individuals that are suspected (based on credible information) of harming others and damaging property in the name of religion.
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The task force should also collaborate with the Islamic Ministry to ensure that all religious institutes and sermons made in the country adhere to the moderate islamic foundations accepted globally.
Waheed also noted some of the major recent incidents that were propagated by violent extremists:
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The Environment Ministry’s State Minister Ali Solih was targeted in an extremist attack, and sustained injury from this attack. The man was reciting Quranic verses and shouting that the minister ‘should be killed’, as he attacked.
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Police commissioner Mohamed Hameed had previously said that there were 1,400 extremists in the Maldives who will not hesitate to kill for their misled causes.
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Investigations made by the Disappearances and Deaths Commission (DDCom) revealed evidence that many religious fanatics are involved in violent crimes “in the name of religion”.
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Extremists have and continue to manufacture explosives and weapons, targeting people and property for their fanatic assaults.
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Rising numbers in religious extremism, condoning the legal system of Maldives, calling the government ‘Kufr’ or disbelievers. As a result, these extreme factions target civil servants, citizens and even tourists.
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