Day: October 26, 2012

Thousands attend Eid prayer

Thousands attended the Eid prayers on Friday morning at 16 mosques in Male’, Vili-Male’ and Hulhumale’ as well as the “official” congregration at the Maafanu stadium.

Local daily Haveeru reported that the stadium area was prepared in advance with the ground covered in canvas. President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik participated in the congregation.

President Waheed also extended greetings to the people of the Maldives and Leaders of Islamic countries on the auspicious occasion of Eid ul-Al’haa.

“Highlighting that Eid ul-Al’haa was an occasion to strengthen kindness and friendship among all Muslims, President Waheed noted that Hajj encourages the establishment of harmonious familial and brotherly relations among us,” according to the President’s Office.

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Jalapeno Restaurant closed down after police raid

Police on Thursday night temporarily closed down the Jalapeno Restaurant in Male’ after arresting a number of people caught using alcohol in the premises.

According to Sun Online, police raided the restaurant located at the artificial beach area at 11.45pm and checked the premises in the presence of journalists.

Police reportedly discovered a number of alcohol bottles under the tables on the second floor of the restaurant in addition to packets containing hashish oil and heroin.

The liquor bottles and “suspected” illicit narcotics were displayed to media.

Sun Online reported that those arrested included a waiter and supervisor from the restaurant.

Moreover, an anonymous member of the public told the online news outlet that “young people of both sexes” used the separate open-air section of the restaurant to consume alcohol and drugs.

A police media official informed journalists at the scene that the raid was part of the ongoing special operation to curb crime in the capital.

Police did not reveal the number of people arrested in the raid. Newspaper Haveeru reported that over 20 people were arrested inside the restaurant. Police however told the newspaper that people inside the restaurant at the time were taken in for questioning.

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EC urges public to check party registration

The Elections Commission (EC) has urged members of the public registered to political parties without their knowledge to submit a complaint form before November 18.

In an announcement on the EC website, the commission explained that it was receiving a number of complaints from the public about being registered to a political party without their knowledge or consent.

The EC noted that it had established mechanisms to check party registration either through text messages or on the official website.

A text message sent to 1414 with PPR space followed by the national ID card number would show if the person is registered to a political party. Alternately, the EC website has an online database to check party registration by entering the ID card number.

The complaint form, which is available on the website and the EC office counter, should be submitted if the political party in question fails to comply with a written request to leave the party within seven days, the EC noted. Upon submission of the form, the EC will remove the person’s name from the party registry.

“One of the most important reasons for doing this in the given period [before November 18] is to carry out distribution of funds for political parties from the 2013 state budget in the best possible manner,” the EC stated.

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Over MVR 4 million collected in traffic violation fines

Police have collected over MVR 4 million (US$259,403) in fines for traffic violations, Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Saudhi revealed at a press briefing on Wednesday.

From January to the end of September this year, Saudhi said MVR 4.4 million was received as fines.

The Head of the Central Operations Command urged the public to abide by traffic regulations to avoid fines and ensure road safety.

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University students protest over construction of wall

Students of the National University protested on the streets of Male’ on Wednesday over the construction of a wall in the university premises.

Newspaper Haveeru reported that students and faculty members objected when digging for construction of the wall began on the university grounds. The wall was to be built on part of the plot separating the university from the adjacent Jamalludheen School.

The National University’s central administration and some faculties are located at the old premises of Jamalludheen School.

The government however gave 9,000 square feet from the old Jamalludheen plot to the school, which was facing constraints due to lack of space. The plot awarded to the public school was reportedly registered at the City Council last year.

Meanwhile, over a hundred students began demonstrating in front of the faculty of education in the late afternoon on Wednesday, calling on the government to not give over part of the university plot.

The students then marched over to protest in front of City Hall before making their way to Velaanage, which houses most government offices.

When the students attempted to march to Republic Square, officers of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in front of the coast guard building blocked their path. The protest ended around 6pm.

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