Yameen: India should be outed by the end of this year

Opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has stated that Indian military stationed in the Maldives should be removed from the country by the end of this year.

Spearheaded by Yameen, ‘India Out’ campaign – which calls for the removal of Indian military personnel from the country – has gained significant momentum across the Maldives recently. Events have been held under the campaign at different islands across the nation – whilst a mass rally took place in the capital this evening.

In a rare interview given to Reuters, Yameen said that he disapproves Maldives and the Indian Ocean being militarized by any foreign powers.

He stressed that the presence of Indian military personnel in the region would encourage other major powers such as China and United States to build up their presence in the region.

Yameen said that Indian military personnel in the Maldives endangers the country’s national security and also impedes its progress and development.

“It's imperative that we get the Indian military out before the end of this year. We certainly don't like to play second fiddle here in our own country,” he had said.

Yameen has repeatedly called on the government to disclose agreements executed with Indian military personnel.

‘Neyva Holhiah’ mass rally at Male’ City this evening as part of the ‘India Out’ campaign was held despite warnings by the police against holding it.