MNDF assures technical personnel replacing Indian soldiers are civilians

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), stating they have confirmed that the technical personnel who arrived in the Maldives to replace the Indian soldiers are civilians, have assured the public of the same on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference held by Attorney General’s Office regarding the ‘Hafutha 14’ or first 100-day pledges – MNDF’s Principal Director of Plans, Policy and Resource Management Colonel Ahmed Mujthaba said the removal of Indian military personnel based in the Maldives are proceeding in accordance with crucial diplomatic discussions.

“In addition to this, we, all state instruments, confirm whether they are civilians,” he added.

On behalf of MNDF, Colonel Mujthaba assured that no foreign soldiers will remain in the Maldives after May 10^th.

Some opposition figures have suggested that the civilians replacing Indian soldiers are in fact Indian soldiers as well.  

Responding to questions posed by reporters regarding the civilians who will be replacing the Indian soldiers at Wednesday’s press conference – Colonel Mujthaba said Maldivian military will have operation control over the civilian personnel and the aircrafts.

He reiterated that the civilian personnel from India will operate under MNDF’s command and control.

As per Colonel Mujthaba – 26 civilian personnel from India have arrived in Addu City to date. Underscoring that the process of familiarization is presently ongoing, he said the Indian soldiers will depart as scheduled following the conclusion of this process.

Although he had assured that the technical personnel replacing Indian soldiers are civilians – Colonel Mujthaba did not disclose any further details regarding the civilians, including which Indian authority they were employed under.

Maldivian Foreign Ministry states both sides, following diplomatic discussions have agreed that India will “replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms” by March 10, and will “complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms” by May 10.