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.