Anti-India protests in Maldives make way for new law to curb unrest

Some members of the ruling party in Maldives are reportedly planning a legislation that will criminalise protests 'that affect the country’s relations with other nations'. A draft Bill circulated within the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) comes against the backdrop of protests in the island nation over the perceived proximity of the Maldives government to India.

The draft titled 'The Bill To Stop All Actions That Could Negatively Affect Relations Established By The Maldives With Foreign Countries', is seen as targeting the 'India Out' campaign, and could be submitted when the country’s legislative body, Majlis, reconvenes on February 3.

But it is still unclear if the government wants to be involved. An MDP politician, who has seen the draft, said some members of the party were for the legislation but there has been no formal discussions between the government and the party on it.

But some in the ruling party are more cautious, pointing to the 'extreme' provisions in 'violation of democratic norms', and fear a backlash. They are of the opinion that even if the legislation goes through in the Parliament, it would not be acceptable to most within the ruling party in its present form, and would see a lot of amendments before it comes up for debate.

The 'India Out' protests, which began two years ago, have increased since the release from house arrest of Opposition leader and former pro-Beijing president Abdulla Yameen late last year.

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The anti-India campaign asserts that large numbers of Indian military personnel are present in the Maldives and that the government is planning to hand over the Uthuru Thilafalhu atoll to the Indian Navy.

The draft Bill is said to have proposed a fine of 20,000 Maldivian Rufiyah, and six-month imprisonment or one-year house arrest, for those who insinuate that the Maldives is under the political, economic or military control of another country.

In recent weeks, President Solih has faced flak from protestors for 'selling out' the country to India, and pressure from within the MDP to stop the campaign.

The 'India Out' campaign also targets the presence of military personnel operating aircraft gifted by the Indian government to the Maldives.

While the protestors say they are only opposing the presence of Indian security personnel on Maldivian soil, the campaign has led to insecurity in the large Indian population of teachers, and medical and tourism sector professionals. Last year, the Indian High Commission also asked for more security for its diplomats after it flagged that they were repeatedly being attacked and targeted on social media.

In February 2021, India and Maldives signed an agreement for the development of the UTF Harbour during the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Union Minister had said that the project would 'strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability' and described the two countries as 'partners in development, partners in security'.