Following their request for security at an opposition gathering, Maldives Police Service (MPS) has diverted MDP towards the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, to seek the necessary permissions.

In a letter sent in response to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s secretary general Anas Abdul Sattar, MPS asked the party to seek the necessary permit to hold a public gathering from the Housing Ministry.

Earlier on Monday, Anas had requested that Fandiyaaru Magu be closed off for Monday night's opposition gathering, which is to be held in Maafannu Kunooz- located on Fandiyaaru Magu.

He also asked for the institution to provide security for the event.

A copy of the letter was also forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The joint opposition gathering is to start at 9:15 pm on Monday night, at Maafannu Kunooz.

The opposition's decision to send a request comes after MPS said that it had assisted the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) to hold an event by closing off a street and providing security "because they had complied with the rules and procedures".

MPS closed off a street in the capital Malé City on Sunday night, in order to allow PPM to hold an event to open a party branch.

Police had previously said that opposition rallies and event 'were held in areas prone to heavy traffic,' and that any activities held on those areas 'will impede traffic causing disturbances'.

Back in July, MPS raided Kunooz, the headquarters of the opposition Jumooree Party, where the joint opposition have been holding its activities.