Talks on developing strategies and an action against terrorism and religious extremism are underway in the meeting hall of the Islamic Center.
The meeting was commenced with the President of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed as a chief guest. The Defense Minister Mariya Didi, Indian Ambassador to the Maldives Mr Sanjay Sudir and members of parliament along with various prosecutors and judges took part in the discussions as well.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director General of the Counter Terrorism Center, Brigadier General Zakariyya Mansur stated that these discussions will help finalize the drafts for the national action plan on preventing and countering violent extremism. He also stated that it is a national concern that both men and women are going over to war stricken countries like Syria and these people must be stopped as it brings shame and hatred towards the country on the international stage.
He further added that the issue of religious extremism violence cannot be solved with only military might but rather the country should focus on attacking the issue at the core; which is rooted in both education and society. He reiterated that he would involve as many people as possible in preventing and educating the general public and run the center accordingly to fit the climate on such matters.
This action plan is being developed with the collaboration of the Counter Terrorism Center, UNDP and the Japanese government.
