India Out Movement Poses A Threat To National Security: Defence Minister

Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has claimed that the "India Out" movement poses a threat to national security. The "India Out" movement is a grassroots movement, that has since been adopted by the political opposition, which calls for the removal of Indian military personnel and assets from the Maldives, and for the full disclosure of all classified bilateral military agreements signed between the Solih administration and the Indian government.

The Parliament Committee on National Security Services (also known as the 241 Committee) have launched a full-scale inquiry into the possible ill effects the "India Out" movement may have on the Maldives. The inquiry was launched by the request of Majlis Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, who is also the president of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Speaking at a session of a 241 Committee session, Defence Minister Mariya had stated that the campaign, called "India Out", led by opposition leader; former President Abdullah Yameen; is "the most dangerous campaign" that poses a threat to national security, foreign nationals resident in the Maldives, and Maldivians resident abroad.

"The campaign has disrupted internal stability", said Minister Mariya. "It has strained close ties with regional neighbours. It poses a threat to regional security, and it obstructs the work done to defend the Maldives and ensure its safety and security".

Taking note of what other government officials have said about the "India Out" campaign, Minister Mariya said that the "India Out" campaign was a very delicate, uncivilised campaign that posed a threat to national security.

"This government has not done anything that would threaten Maldivian sovereignty", said the Minister. "It would also never do so. I assure the Maldivian people that this is the truth."

She accused that the "India Out" campaign was not motivated by any real threats to Maldivian sovereignty.

Defence Minister Mariya joins other government officials who have claimed that the "India Out" campaign is a politically motivated movement which poses a threat to national security. Commissioner of Police, Mohamed Hameed, had previously stated that the campaign is being run by drug lords.