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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Concern over Islamic radical's role in Maldivian unrest |
| 2004-08-25 |
| The leading role played by an Islamic fundamentalist in the current political unrest in the Maldives is causing concern among moderate Maldivians, led by President Abdul Gayoom. Ahmed Abdullah, Special Envoy of the Maldivian President, told newsmen in Colombo on Tuesday, that an Islamic fundamentalist preacher, Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed, had managed to dominate the crowd of political agitators gathered at the Jumhoori Maidan in front of the Police Headquarters in Male on August 12 and 13. Exhorted by the speeches, the crowd had become violent, indulged in arson and threatened the Police Headquarters, Abdullah said. In his fiery speeches, Sheikh Fareed attacked non-Muslims across the world. "He claimed that the opening of the American corner at the National Library was a Christian missionary outlet in the Maldives, and that the Sri Lankan High Commission in Male stands as a temple for spreading Buddhism in the country," Abdullah pointed out. Maldivians say that Islamic fundamentalism is not deep rooted in the Indian Ocean island county, though the people are devout Muslims. But they fear that eventually, fundamentalism could spread riding piggy back on the political agitation led by the opponents of President Gayoom. Special Envoy Abdullah reflected this fear when said: "While like-minded people among the crowd supported his (Fareed's) fundamentalist ideas, others used his inflammatory speeches to arouse anti-government feelings among the public." An informed Maldivian official source told Hindustan Times over the phone, that Islamic Fundamentalism began to take root in the country when students came back after religious education in Pakistan and West Asia. "Students sent by the Maldivian government to Pakistan for religious education are admitted in institutions approved by the Pakistan government. However, one does not know what kind of influences these students come under while in Pakistan. Some of them so pick up ideas on Islamic thought and ways of living which are not in accordance with the Islamic tradition and practice in the Maldives," the source said. And private students could go to any school of their choice in Pakistan or any other Islamic country, and these could be highly fundamental in their orientation. |
| Posted by:TS(vice girl) |
| #2 My husband and I have vacationed in the Maldives. These are incredibly beautiful little islands and is a darn shame that those twisted- demented people will eventually succeed in turning them to shit. |
| Posted by: Anonymous6134 2004-08-25 9:28:34 PM |
| #1 On November 8, 1988, Sri Lankan Tamil mercenaries tried to overthrow the Maldivian Government. At President Gayoom's request, the Indian military air-lifted in the parachute regiment and suppressed the coup attempt within 24 hours. President Gayoom has been in power for over two decades and is the prime mover in forestalling a fundamentalist takeover. While many link the Tamils to Sri Lanka, they are a long time factor in the Maldives and La Reunion Island region. The Liberation Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE)is considered the "subject matter expert" on all things asociated with maritime terrorism, and such, is well positioned to assist any fundamentalist attempt on this island nation. |
| Posted by: RN 2004-08-25 10:11:58 AM |