Minister: New policy to protect Maldives from Indian Ocean “currents”

New policies have been compiled for the Maldivian military to protect the country from the events taking place in the Indian Ocean and to protect the sovereignty of the country, says Minister of Defense and National Security, Adam Shareef Umar.

Speaking at the official function held at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi to mark MNDF’s 126th anniversary last Wednesday night, the minister provided no details of the new policies.

He said the Maldivian military has started acting on new policies to protect the sovereignty of the country in face of the “different currents” within the Indian Ocean.

Minister Adam Shareef Umar said the religion of Islam is deeply integrated into the Maldivian identity, which did not settle well with those who hold anti-Islamic sentiments. He alleged it was the reason why Maldives is accused of supporting terrorism.

“The fact that Maldives is a 100 percent Muslim country is the main reason for the criticism directed at Maldives, especially the finger of terrorism,” said Adam Shareef.

Touching on the recent coup attempt with the support of the Supreme Court order on February 1, Adam Shareef said Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s actions during that period was for the sake of the nation, without any regard his own self.

He said the work by President Yameen to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country was commendable.

“He used the wisdom practiced by Mohamed Ameen during the Northern Conflict in making the coup attempt a failure. And he used the tactics used by Ibrahim Nasir to save Maldives from the influence of Britain to make the coup a failure,” said Adam Shareef.