civilviolence3
MDP mob dispersed by angered Male' residents
Ismail Rifau, Political correspondent
Male’, Maldives, 17th January 2006, 2235 Hrs Hrs (olhuala.com) – olhuala.com can confirm that the MDP mob that gathered near Ibrahim Ismail's residence Boagunvilla has been dispersed by angry local residents.
"This is the limit. Tomorrow is a school day, my children are still awake due to the chanting [for the resignation of government officials]. We informed them straight [that] the residents do not support them. We gave them an ultimatum, leave now or we will use force to protect our children and property" said an angry resident from Rahdhebai Magu.
Earlier, a group of parteys (local slang for drug addicts) who were in the mob tried to break into a local shop.
Male’, Maldives, 17th January 2006, 2220 Hrs Hrs (olhuala.com) – Unconfirmed reports say that, the local residents have demanded the MDP mob leave their neighbour hood.
It is reported that, the crowd is thinning out since the scuffles between MDP activists and local residents.
The Maldives Police Services have arrived on the scene, and has opened Majeedhee Magu for traffic.
Olhuala.com will confirm these reports momentarily.
Male’, Maldives, 17th January 2006, 2205 Hrs Hrs (olhuala.com) – Crowd is estimated to be over 1000 at present.
Still no Police on the scene. Crowd is getting increasingly restless, and are chanting for the resignation of the government.
Residents from nearby houses have complained to Ibra as the crowd is being far too loud.
Crowd confronted residents violently. One resident reportedly injured.
Male’, Maldives, 17th January 2006, 2135 Hrs Hrs (olhuala.com) – Number of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members near Ma. Boagunvilla, the residence of party leader Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) is increasing steadily.
It is estimated that the number of MDP members at the scene is well over 400 hundred at present.
Chants for the resignation of President Gayoom and his cabinet have been heard.
"The crowd is blocking all roads from the Mosque here to number 70 shop on Majeedee Magu, there are no Police visible at the scene yet. MDP members are walking into Ibra's residence and coming out to join the mob, it is not clear what the exact orders are yet, I have seen a few people wielding clubs and iron bars" said olhuala.com's Ibrahim Majeed, speaking via mobile phone from the scene.
olhuala.com will report on the situation as it unfolds
click to read breaking news updates on 17th Jan