Maldives’ new police academy
Date: 29 March 2022 Tags: India & WorldIssue
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will be attending the inauguration of the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) in Addu City, Maldives.
Background
The External Affairs Minister is on a two-day official visit to Maldives, where he will be monitoring various projects developed through bilateral cooperation.
Details
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The establishment of the police academy was the biggest grant-funded programme of India in Maldives till recently.
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A MoU has signed between Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), and the Maldives Police Service.
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The agreement will allow Maldives police to grow its capacities through training and the development of its curriculum.
Need for academy
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The academy was first announced in 2015 during the tenure of Abdulla Yameen Gayoom but was delayed due to souring relationship with India.
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The project was revived in 2018 after the Ibrahim Solih government was sworn in. The academy will help in strengthening law enforcement abilities and counter drug trafficking.
Importance of academy
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Violent extremism as well as de-radicalisation are two of the biggest challenges that need to be countered by India and Maldives.
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The academy will address these challenges and enhance cooperation between the two countries.
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There are no radicalized groups but the recent bomb attacks on former president Mohamed Nasheed showed the glimpse of terrorism.
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The government has taken many measures but has not been successful. The National College of Policing and Law Enforcement and advanced training programmes may help in this regard.
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The academy may not single-handedly curb the complex security challenges faced by Maldives but it may start a process.
Challenges for maritime security
Protecting coastline is one of the biggest challenges of security. India, Sri Lanka and Maldives have established Colombo Security Conclave for intelligence sharing.