MNDF files police case over unauthorised entry into UTF army territory

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on Monday submitted a case to the police against journalists of Dhiyares newspaper who entered the area at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) designated for the Coastguard harbour and docking facility without permission on Sunday.

Some journalists of Dhiyares travelled to UTF in a speedboat, entered the army harbour area, videotaped it and posted it on social media.

According to a statement sent to the media on Monday, MNDF said:

In an earlier statement Sunday night, MNDF said that the attempt to enter the island without permission is illegal and a low-level act to disrupt the duties and responsibilities of the army. The MNDF strongly condemned the action.

"The army's bases are prohibited from entering without the permission of the army. If unauthorised persons try to enter such a place, the army is obliged by the laws and regulations of the army to prevent it," the statement said.

"A sergeant first class rank of the MNDF, who is in charge of security in the island, tried to prevent unauthorised entry into the area where the army port is being developed."

Pointing out that in all countries of the world, if anyone attempts to enter military bases without permission, it is considered a very serious offence and the use of weapons is also allowed to prevent it, MNDF said that since attempting to enter an army base is considered a very serious matter, they will approach the authorities to take action as per law and regulations against those who did so.

UTF, which will house a Maldivian Coastguard port being constructed under an Indina grant, will provide land and flats to residents of the Male area, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Saturday. The opportunity to apply for the land and flat was opened on Sunday.