Yameen: Passing law will not stop calls for ‘India Out’

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom stated that passing a law will not stop the ‘India Out’ campaign.

Speaking during a programme of local broadcaster Channel13, he said that the ‘India Out’ campaign was in line with the right to freedom of expression, hence there was no way to stop it.

Furthermore, he added that he believes in the right to free speech as long as it is within line of Islam.

Noting that the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has a Parliament majority, Yameen said that even if a bill is passed, the campaign will not be stopped.

“Since they have Parliament majority, the bill can be passed. But this (‘India Out’ campaign) will not be stopped.”

Moreover, retaliating to the claims that the campaign was harmful to the Indians working in Maldives, he said that there was no reason that should happen.

“There is no reason for them (Indian workers) to be in any danger. Even if any harm comes their way, it would be done by MDP. We do not have any issues with Indian workers.”

‘India Out’ campaign which is spearheaded by Yameen has been expanded across the country, with supporters graffitiing walls of their houses with messages pertaining to the campaign. The opposition claims that Indian military personnel being stationed in the Maldives is a threat to the country’s national security. They also claim it to be a concern of many Maldivian citizens.  

Meanwhile, the government, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and other political parties which belong to the government coalition strongly condemn the campaign. In this regard, the government, on multiple instances, have stressed that such a campaign would disrupt the close ties maintained with a neighbouring country.

MDP recently revealed even announced that the party has commenced efforts to formulate a law that would allow criminal punishment against individuals that act and speak in a manner that’s disruptive to diplomatic relations