Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi has called the India Out campaign led by the opposition a threat to national security. She made the statement while speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services as part of the inquiry into the consequences of the India Out campaign.
Speaking at the committee, Defence Minister Mariya criticised former President Abdulla Yameen and the opposition parties for leading an irresponsible campaign that targets a specific nation. The minister called the campaign a threat to internal peace and stability as well as national security, noting it could endanger the safety of Maldivians living abroad and foreigners living in the Maldives. She added it disrupts the efforts of the administration and national security forces to maintain regional security and stability.
Speaking further, Defence Minister Mariya said the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will never compromise the independence and sovereignty of the nation. She said the administration places topmost priority on protecting national interests and pave the way for a brighter future for the Maldivian people.
The parliamentary committee began an inquiry into the India Out campaign following a request by Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed. During the review meeting held by the committee, Speaker Nasheed highlighted the importance of identifying the consequences of conducting a destructive campaign targeting a specific country with which the Maldives has established diplomatic relations. He noted it is important to analyse the possible reaction to such a campaign from the targeted country and possible consequences on the Maldivian people.
As part of the inquiry, the parliamentary committee has sought information from several senior officials of ministries and state authorities. During this inquiry, officials from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Maldives Police Service (MPS), Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have all condemned the India Out campaign.