Thiruvananthapuram: Unidentified gangs attacked at least six houses occupied by Maldivian nationals here in the last week, triggering a sense of insecurity among the 2,000 citizens of the island nation who are residing here for treatment and study purposes. The first such incident happened on July 11, a day after regional newspapers reported that two Keralites were allegedly harassed by local people in the Maldives.

Maldivian nationals, who spoke to The Hindu on condition of anonymity, said the attacks continued till July 17. Most of the attacks were reported from the Medical College Police area and occurred between 12.30 a.m. and 2 a.m. The miscreants also smashed the windscreens of cars parked in front of the houses. Police have not registered any case.

"Such incidents could dissuade Maldivians from coming here for treatment and study. Already many are choosing Kochi, Madurai and Chennai instead," a Maldivian national said.

Circle Inspector K.E. Baiju said the police were investigating two groups in connection with the attacks. One is the regional unit of a Maharashtra-based political organisation. The organisation had threatened to stage a protest in front of the Maldivian Consulate after the media reported the "harassment" of Keralites working in the Maldives.

The police were also investigating a group of hotel and lodge owners who feel that the Maldivian residents are depriving them of business by accommodating visitors from the island as paying guests.

Maldivian nationals said they were increasingly becoming soft targets for criminal elements. City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham said the police would be starting a special cell for helping Maldivian citizens.

Immigration officials will distribute instructional pamphlets in Dhivehi.

All persons, including Maldivian nationals accommodating foreigners as paying guests in their homes, will have to file C forms — providing details of the guests — at the local police station. Mr. Abraham said the measures would be introduced after discussions with officials at the Maldivian Consulate here.

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