By IANS
Colombo : Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, has appealed to his countrymen to eschew violence and live in peace and harmony.
“We should never resort to violence,” Gayoom said Tuesday after a knife attack at north Thiladhunmathi Atoll Hoarafushi from which he was saved by the timely intervention of a 15-year-old boy scout.
A statement issued by the Maldivian government said Gayoom called upon all members of society, irrespective of political and other differences, to live in peace and harmony.
The president also expressed his determination not to allow the attack to deflect him from his duties to the people of the Maldives. He would, therefore, continue with all the remains stops in his visit, the statement said.
Police late Tuesday identified the man who tried to stab the president as Muhamad Murshid, a 20-year-old resident of the Kinaaraa area of Hoarafushi.
“The assailant was apprehended by security officials and is now in police custody and investigations are underway,” the statement said.
The brave boy scout, identified by the local media as Mohamad Jaisham, was “severely injured” in the scuffle with the assailant. Gayoom met the boy, thanked him and praised him for his bravery, the statement said.
It added that the president’s personal physician had confirmed that he had not received any injuries.