Disclosing Hydrographic Survey details to India dangerous to national security: Dr. Munavvaru

Expert on Law of the Seas and former Attorney General of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Munavvaru stated that disclosing details of the hydrographic surveys is dangerous to the national security of the Maldives.

Dr. Munavvar specialized in International Law and his books have been referenced and used as reading materials at prestigious universities around the globe.

Responding to a question asked by TMJ at a news conference held on Monday, Dr. Munavvaru detailed the potential grievances resulted by oversharing of hydrographic findings with India.

Dr. Munavvaru noted that at a time when submarines were so common, it was unsafe that outsiders have information of shallow depths and deeper depths of the Maldivian seas. He stated that submarines can drive between islands and squeeze through reefs easily and data from the hydrographic surveys revealing the depth of the ocean beds makes Maldives an open book.

Reminding of the sensitivity of such information, Dr. Munavvaru mentioned that the knowledge of the Maldivian seas were the biggest weapon wielded by Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam in his battle to liberate Maldives from the shackles of the Portuguese. Dr. Munavvaru said that, the Muhammad Thakurufaanu was a champion who knew the smoothest routes from one island to the other and which islands to seek shelter at, this information being key to the end result of independence.

Dr. Munavvaru resonated that Maldivians are unaware of the depths of our own oceans and yet another nation does, therefore, he implored the people to think of the threat to national security.

Explaining the actions of India, Dr. Munavvaru shared his experience of wading through several geological research to configure the details of the Maldivian continental shelf. Dr. Munavvaru remarked that he found out that an Indian hydrographic center possessed the geological data required for his project and upon requesting for the data, India refused to provide the research to the Maldives.

Dr. Munavvaru further noted that his team had to acquire the data through an American university and that it should make Maldivians think twice about India possessing compromising information.

Dr. Munavvaru said that it was irresponsible to be highly dependent on one country while remaining exposed. He said that one problem that faced Sri Lanka was purchasing oil only from India when India stopped supplying it. Therefore Dr. Munavvaru concluded that it was risky to depend on India for basic needs.