Dhivehi Observer :: The People's Press ::

A horrible cutter-knife attack in Naifaru Island

Mariyam Mohamed, 5th July 2004

Naifaru Island is known for unrest but the cutter knife attack in the island which took place last Friday 2nd July 2004, is very disturbing news that shows how dangerous life has become in the remote islands of the Maldives.

It has been reported that 5 boys sustained serious injuries which were reported in local media as well.

Mohamed Ahmed, 23 sustained a 6 cm long, 3.5 cm deep cut on his stomach while Abdulla Ibrahim, 18, had a cut 10 cm long, 1 cm deep cut on his back.

Another 18 year old, Ibrahim Mohamed had sustained a 13 cm long, 1 cm deep cut across his right shoulder while Hamid Fazeel, 21, had a 7.5 cm long, 0.5 cm deep cut on his biceps.

Eye witnesses say that the main attacker is a 26 year old man named Mohamed Ramiz of Finiunimaage. However, the attack was carried out by a group of 5 which include a young boy (under 18), Adam Hassan, 20, of Neyzaa, Mohamed Ahmed 19, of Kasthoorimaage and Ahmed Mohamed 23, all of whom are reportedly from Naifaru Island. All 5 assailants are now in police custody and an investigation is now underway according to the Police.

It is not known why the fight broke out which ended up so tragically. It happened near the Keefiya Café.

Disturbing as it is, cutter-knife attacks have become somewhat common in Maldives. Although not very frequent, similar incidents have taken place in the capital island Male' in recent months as well, especially after Gayyoom gave an all out amnesty to many criminals serving in the Maldives jail. Muggings, petty thefts and indecent assaults are common and these youngsters obviously do not hesitate to cause horrendous injury to people to show how tough they are. In many cases, these attackers are drug users or small dealers who commit these acts under the influence of substances. The drug problem in the Maldives is not only confined to the capital island Male' but it is common in most islands now. The unemployment rate in the Maldives is fairly high especially in this age group which makes the youth more susceptible to violence and misbehaviour as they do not have social responsibilities. This is a whole generation marred in despair.

DO has received these exclusive pictures from a source in Naifaru. Further details as to how and why this tragic incident occurred will be reported shortly as we get are trying to get more details from the island.