Street violence - diversion tactic?

There is escalating fear among the Maldivian population as street violence in the capital city appears to have gone out of control. In response the government has decided to send out onto the streets men in uniform from the National Defense Force. Some claim these gangs are politically fuelled and this is a clever diversion tactic of the Maldivian government.

Whilst people fear for their families’ safety they are distracted from the crucial debates going on in Parliament. As decisions on the crucial transitional chapter are decided upon people are understandably thinking only about the personal security of themselves and their families amid the rising number of murders, attacks and street battles.

The current climate brings into question whether the forthcoming elections will be free, fair and violence-free. Furthermore, it calls for people to return attention to the Majilis, where decisions can be made so that a safer society can be ensured in the future.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Who is responsible for the violence on the streets in the Maldives? How are people feeling about their personal security in their homes and on the streets? And, what can be done to raise awareness about the importance of the decisions that are being made in Parliament, so that people understand that these decisions will make a difference to their future lives in the Maldives?