President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called upon religious scholars to not let religion be used to light political fires.

The President made the statement during the official function held to celebrate National Day at Dharubaaruge.

President Solih further added that the administration will, to their full capacity, do everything to protect the religion and to combat religious extremism. He also noted that the administration will not allow anyone to challenge and mock the Prophet while at the same time condoning those who participate in wars led by terror organisations.

The President asserted that with the new constitution, Maldivians received a number of new rights that they were not subject to years before and that while they have a positive impact, some have been abusing those rights at the same time.