Youth involved in gang violence are making significant efforts to distance themselves from such activities after accepting the counsel provided to them: Minister Ihusaan

Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has stated that many young people previously involved in gang violence have now distanced themselves from such activities and are actively working to reform their lives.

Speaking at the "Ahaa Forum" hosted by the President's Office on Sunday night, Minister Ihusaan stated that gang violence is a long-standing issue in the country. He noted that from 2007 until President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, an average of two to three young lives were lost annually due to gang-related violence.

Minister Ihusaan stated that to achieve a permanent solution to gang violence, the government will ensure that the police presence at known gang hubs and operational bases exceeds the number of individuals operating within those locations.

Consequently, Ihusaan stated that individuals will no longer be able to move about as freely in those areas as they had previously.

We have presented them with a choice: a call to our youth to recognize that they still have a future ahead of them. We have offered them the opportunity to distance themselves from these activities and instead lead productive lives by engaging in business or seeking employment to benefit the nation. It is heartening to note that a significant number of these young individuals have chosen to take that path.

Ali Ihusaan

Minister Ihusaan stated that 52 targeted gang operations have been conducted to date, during which approximately 10,050 individuals were screened and 517 suspects were taken into custody. He further noted that 672 motorcycles linked to these individuals have been impounded over the past two years.

Furthermore, Ihusaan stated that the results of these efforts are already becoming evident.

As a result, the frequent headlines we once saw—reports of stabbings here and there, or various accounts of violent assaults—have now significantly decreased. Furthermore, by the grace of Almighty Allah, not a single Maldivian life has been lost to gang violence during the past three years of our administration. The youth previously involved in these activities are also making a concerted effort to distance themselves from such violence, having embraced the guidance and counsel we have provided them.

Ali Ihusaan

Ihusaan further stated that investigations into 10 gang leaders have been underway since last June.