The people of Thinadhoo island of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll protested on Sunday, against the Education Ministry’s decision to fire two employees at Aboobakuru School.

Teachers at the school, as well as parents of students took part in the protest held on Sunday morning, following the decision to fire one of the school’s leading teachers and an administrative official.

Mohamed Nazim, native to Thinadhoo and former MP for Madaveli constituency, told RaajjeMV that teachers and parents decided to protest near the school, after learning of the education ministry’s decision to fire the two.

Nazim further said that the teacher is being dismissed for taking part in a political gathering, while the admin worker is to be fired for calling to increase the salary of administrative staff- as the government’s decision to increase the pay of teachers had no effect on theirs.

The protesters noted that teachers have been known to take part in ruling party gatherings, and that “hence, the decision to dismiss them for partaking in a political gathering is unacceptable”. They called for fair and equal treatment of all, as well.

Nazim said that police officers arrived at the school moments after the protest began, and formed a line in front of the gate. He accused officers of pestering the protesters.

Aboobakuru School was closed on Sunday morning, due to the protest.