'India Out' banners must not be allowed to hang from buildings

Parliament Speaker and former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed has said 'India Out' banners must not be allowed to hang across buildings.

Spearheaded by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, the opposition is carrying out an 'India Out' campaign to drive out Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. The movement has gained momentum in recent months, especially in the atolls. To express their dislike for the Indian military members remaining in the Maldives, supporters of the campaign have taken to hanging large banners from their homes printed with the India Out slogan. On Tuesday, a giant banner was hung from the former President's home on the outer ring road of Male' City.

During Wednesday's Parliament sitting, Nasheed said banners with the India Out slogan must not be allowed to hang from buildings. He said Maldives Police Service must immediately remove such banners.

'My opinion is that the law does not allow large banners that disparage neighboring countries to be hung from tall buildings of Male' City,' said Nasheed.

Nasheed has always made it clear that India is an important partner of the Maldives and defends dealings with the country. The opposition continues to assert that India exerts undue influence on the Maldives and threatens national security and the country's independence.