Male: Opposition leader President Abdulla Yameen has officially called for the removal of Indian military personnel in the Maldives. The former President made the statement while speaking at the opposition alliance’s political rally held tonight. The rally which was attended by scores of people, is the largest political rally held in the Maldives since the 2018 Presidential Election. The rally marks the return of the opposition leader President Abdulla Yameen after his sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court of Maldives on 30th November 2021.
Speaking at the event, President Abdulla Yameen first thanked the people, his deputies’ advisors and his legal team for their support. Highlighting on the many socioeconomic issues facing the nation, the popular opposition leader President Abdulla Yameen directed his attention to the many security agreements made by the current administration and the Government of India.
He stated that we respect the friendly people of India but the Maldives is an independent nation. In an unprecedented move, opposition leader President Abdulla Yameen declared that Indian soldiers cannot station themselves in the Maldives.
“I am saying this officially. Indian military will have to leave Maldives. I am saying this as a former President, as the leader of PPM PNC coalition, as a representative of thousands of Maldivians, we don’t want single Indian military personnel, not even boot to remain here on our soil.” Said President Abdulla Yameen.
The opposition leader then reminded the soldiers at the Maldives National Defence Force that they too are Maldivians and that their loyalty is not to the Government, but Islam, the people and the nation as stated in their oath.
President Abdulla Yameen also recalled on how he had ordered for the Indian military personnel attached with the Indian helicopters to remove themselves during his administration. He stated that the Indian military personnel refused to leave even when their Visa’s were expired and they illegally stationed themselves in the Maldives.
The current administration’s secretive security deals with India has drawn massive public criticism and a series of massive protests nationwide calling for the removal of Indian military personnel in the Maldives. Considerable international coverage has also been drawn due to the protests. The Maldivesnews.network
