The Maldives Police Service has intervened to stop a planned celebration of the Pongal festival by a group of Indian Hindus residing in the country.
Posts promoting the event, which was set to take place at the Hulhumalé Synthetic Track, had been circulating on social media for some time, sparking public concern over the celebration of a Hindu festival in the Maldives.
As the event date approached and promotional materials resurfaced, journalists repeatedly questioned the police about the matter. In response, the police issued a statement late last night, confirming that organizers had been informed that the event could not proceed. The police further stated that they have now been assured that the festival has been cancelled.
The police reaffirmed that any observance or planned celebration of other religions in the Maldives would be halted in accordance with the country’s laws and regulations.