Monday, October 15, 2007

Govt. to implement measures to maintain peace security and harmony

15 October 2007

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that all those involved in the detonation of an improvised explosive device IED at Sultan Park on September 29 this year, will soon be found and brought to justice. He made statement in his address to the nation aired by Television Maldives and Radio Maldives.

According to President Gayoom the blast was an attack that changed our peaceful coexistence, our tradition of hospitality, our perceived image and the way we are received by rest of the world.

President said many have approached the government and asked for additional measures to prevent such attacks in the future and that this is indicative of our hatred and our refusal to accept such acts.

Commenting on the recent Himandhoo clashes, President Gayoom said that these extremist acts exceed the boundaries of Islam and the national unity. Without any religious education, to declare that it is in accordance with Islam and to commit horrific acts to maintain their way is not acceptable in Islam. He further said that this type behavior cannot allowed under the name freedom and human rights.

Religious extremism cannot be solved by just sending the Police or the Army; it is a more complex and delicate issue, we have to know and understand the reasons that created such extremist thinking, we have to identify who are lending support and which group or parties are financing such supporters said the President.

In connection with the 2 incidents, government is forming a new action plan and discussions with relevant government authorities are being held and from these discussions immediate steps that should be taken has been identified said the President.

The steps to be taken include reviving the actual spirit of Islam, strengthening the spirit of abiding the Law and enforcing civil justice in a more equal, open and transparent manner the President revealed.
President also said that all possible work would be carried out to make the religious thinking in the country more responsible by narrowing the differences in religious thought. If necessary the law on the protection of religious unity would be amended and the opportunity to pursue higher education in institutions which promote extremist religious thinking would be denied.

In closing he called on the people to offer constructive suggestions instead of criticizing the actions of the government, to cooperate and support the government to make Maldives a peaceful, safe and secure place for all.

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