Yameen: ‘India Out’ is spreading faster than any pandemic

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said on Thursday that the ‘India Out’ campaign initiated by the opposition coalition was spreading faster in Maldives than any pandemic. 

Yameen, who is on a tour of the atolls under the ‘India Out’ campaign, visited F. Nilandhoo on Thursday.  

In a speech in Nilandhoo, Yameen said the current administration had signed numerous secretive agreements with India. 

“First, they said there was nothing alarming in the agreements. And they also said there weren't any Indian military personnel in Maldives. There’s talk of technical personnel here to maintain the helicopters. And there’s talk that Maldivian pilots don’t know how to drive helicopters,” he said. 

Yameen said that despite the administration’s assurances, the revelation of the details of the agreements shows there is cause for public concern. 

He said that Indian military personnel weren’t in Maldives to assist the Maldivian people. 

“If they are here to protect interests, then the government should be able to reveal what’s in the agreements," he said. "If they made such great agreements, then they should deliver the happy news of such great agreements made in the people’s interest.” 

Yameen said that despite the current administration’s best efforts, there wasn’t a Maldivian alive who wasn’t aware of Indian military presence in Maldives. 

He said that the Maldivian people wanted Indian military personnel out of their country. 

“There isn't anyone who believes there isn’t Indian military presence in Maldives. Because the people are troubled by it, because they are concerned, because they feel the threat, sentiments against India and Indian military presence is spreading faster across Maldives than any famine or pandemic,” he said. 

Yameen said that despite the sentiments of the Maldivian people, the administration was more concerned with protecting India from potential damages from the opposition’s campaign. 

Yameen’s remarks come after the Maldivian Foreign Ministry issued a statement earlier this week, in which they expressed concern over anti-India propaganda, and warned that spreading hatred and false allegations regarding bilateral ties with neighboring countries not only tarnishes the relations with allies who extends consistent support to the Maldivian people, but also affect the safety and security of their citizens in Maldives, and Maldivians living abroad.