Former President Abdulla Yameen has announced that the "India Out" campaign will resume because concerns regarding Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives remain unresolved.
Speaking to reporters outside the High Court on Thursday night after he was freed following the overturning of the lower court's decision, Yameen said he was not disturbed by not being in power.
The former President was unable to contest in last year's presidential election due to the 11-year prison sentence over bribery and money laundering in connection to the leasing of Vaavu Aarah island.
“Will there be any harm to me personally if President Yameen does not rule the country? I have received life and prosperity by the grace of Allah,” Yameen said.
However, Yameen said many things continue to bother him and that it is unacceptable to have Indian troops stationed in the Maldives while a foreign country influences Maldives' internal affairs.
"There are things that make it difficult for me to sleep. I don't believe that Indian troops should be permanently stationed and based in Maldives. I don't believe that the territory lost from our southern sea should remain that way. A foreign party should not have a say in our foreign policy."
The government has entered into a classified agreement for the removal of Indian troops. However, the government has said it has no intention of returning the aircraft donated by India. The aircraft are now operated by Indian civilians instead of soldiers, according to the government.
According to official figures, 88 Indian soldiers had been stationed in the Maldives to operate helicopters in Addu and Laamu Kadhdhoo and a Dornier aircraft in Hanimaadhoo. The figure also includes doctors at the Senahiya military hospital.
The soldiers operating the helicopter in Addu and the Dornier aircraft in Haa Dhaal Hanimaadhoo have now returned to India.
Referring to the decisions made by the current government, Yameen said he does not believe the issue can resolved. He vowed to continue the "India Out" campaign he began during the former government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
"There is no doubt that it cannot be stopped by arresting me. I will continue to work on my political merits. India Out banner will be put up outside my home," he said when questioned by Adhadhu.
Former President Solih issued a presidential decree banning the India Out campaign. The decree has not been rescinded by incumbent President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
“When we were in the opposition, including President Muizzu, we were saying that the India Out resolution issued by President Solih is unconstitutional. Why is our government defending this now? Why cant we say India Out?"
Relations with India deteriorated during Yameen's government from 2013 to 2018. His government asked India to withdraw its troops. However, India did not remove the soldiers or take back the aircraft.
The first helicopter donated by India was brought during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed. The second helicopter was brought when Yameen was in power. The Dornier aircraft was brought during the administration of former President Solih.
