President Dr Muizzu states that all Indian troops will be removed from the country come May 10, whether they be in civilian clothing or uniform. He implored people not to let such unfounded doubts and attempts of twisting the truth cloud their judgement.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that no Indian military personnel will be present inside the country following May 10, be it in uniform or civilian clothing.
Addressing the residential community of Baa atoll Eydhafushi during his tour across the atoll, the President stated that due to this government’s success in expelling Indian troops from the country, people who spread false rumors are attempting to twist the situation.
“That these people [Indian military] are not departing, that they are returning after changing their uniforms into civilian clothing. We must not indulge such thoughts that instill doubts in our hearts and spread lies,” the President stated.
“There will be no Indian troops in the country come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing. I state this with confidence.”
The two countries had agreed to remove the Indian military presence in the country by the 10th of May. While the first troops to depart the country are the Indian military personnel operating helicopters in Addu City, the military personnel present in Haa Dhaalu atoll Hanimaadhoo and Laamu atoll Kahdhoo are also expected to leave ahead of May 10.
India had agreed to remove their troops from Maldives under the condition that a number of their civilians equivalent to the military presence are brought to operate the aircrafts. These civilians had arrived to the country last week to replace the military personnel who are maintaining the helicopters operated in Addu.
Opposition has been directing criticism at the administration asserting that the Indian personnel sent to Maldives as civilians are in reality military officials out of uniform and that the government has no way to ascertain otherwise.
The removal of Indian military presence established in the country was a pledge made by President Dr Muizzu. He had proposed the removal of their troops to Indian authorities prior to his assumption of office and held deliberations between Senior Representatives of both countries twice.
The President had affirmed that the Indian troops are being expelled through deliberations conducted between the two States in conformity of diplomatic best practices.
Further highlighting that securing true independence is a concept he regards with utmost priority, the President remarked that the State is exerting efforts with due importance to regain the southern maritime area deprived from the country in addition to expelling Indian troops from Maldives.
“I am confident we can achieve this. The delay in concluding this task is due to the adverse procedures practiced during the implementation. It was done without even taking the matter to the parliament. In violation of the Constitution as well,” the President stated.
“We are proceeding our efforts at an expedited speed.”
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