‘India Out’ campaign is a threat to national security: MP Hassan Latheef

MP Hassan Latheef, the Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Tuesday branded the opposition coalition ‘India Out’ campaign as a threat to national security.

While speaking at the Male’ City Caucus meeting, the Henveiru West constituency parliamentarian stated that the government needs to stop the campaign. He noted that since the Indian Ocean was a channel that see a lot of drug trafficking, human trafficking, black-market as well arms dealing and there are those who wish to connect Maldives to these things.

He went on to say that India has always provided assistance to Maldives, and the campaign creates hatred amongst people. He added that it will cause Indians to lose the respect they have for Maldivians, and ultimately create hate in their hearts.

“What I am trying to say is Maldives is a country in the middle of the vast Indian Ocean. India has been one of the most loyal nations to us. They are the ones who are there to provide assistance whenever we need it.”

Additionally, MP Latheef said that former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was unfamiliar with foreign policies, hence during his presidency, the Commonwealth isolated Maldives, diplomatic ties were broken and had conflicts with neighbouring countries.

He further claimed that it was the hard work of this administration that got Maldives out from the poor situation the country fell to in terms of foreign policies, after those five years.

Despite the backlash, the Progressive Congress Coalition’s efforts continue, with them even announcing plans to further expand the campaign on Tuesday under the guidance of Yameen.