India agreements issue stalled because of party leaders: PNC MPs

Oct 20, 2024, 5:47 AM
Leaders of the ruling party. -- Photo: PNC

Leaders of the ruling party. -- Photo: PNC

The issue of agreements signed by the former government with India has been parked at the Parliament's Security Services Committee (241 Committee) for more than four months.

The matter was submitted by Hithadhoo Medhu MP Ahmed Azaan on June 9 to the Security Services Committee (241 Committee). A sub-committee was formed on June 10.

The sub-committee was tasked with conducting inquiries into the Hydrography Agreement between India and Maldives, Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) Agreement process and the Dornier aircraft agreement.

Some MPs from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) told Adhadhu that work related to the agreements had not taken place due to orders from top government officials and PNC leadership.

"Otherwise, the agreements will be looked into by now. Other matters are also progressing and decisions are being made," an MP said.

He was referring to the decision of the Security Services Committee to disclose the information of the employees of the official residence of Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

Some members of the Committee said the decision on the employees of Muraidhooge was changed on the orders of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Meanwhile. some PNC MPs told Adhadhu that the issue of the agreements had been parked on the orders of President Muizzu.

"The issue has been stalled at the direct order of the President because it may make it difficult to strengthen relations with India. The President was angry when the issue was raised without discussion," an MP said earlier.

At the second meeting of the 241 Committee, Azaan said the people of Maldives had voted for President Muizzu in the presidential election to ensure the independence and sovereignty of the country.

"One of the biggest responsibilities of this committee should be to investigate what we accused then, the things we claimed to come to power," Azaan said.

"We know that some things have occurred in way that affect the independence and sovereignty of the country. Therefore, this committee, we have to use the powers given to this committee by the Constitution to conduct an inquiry."

While the issue has been parked in the Parliament, President Muizzu and the PNC coalition have not delivered on any promises related to India.

The Indian helicopters and the Dornier aircraft have not been returned. Discussions were held to remove Indian soldiers, but they were replaced by members of the Hindustan Aeronautics Company which is under the Indian army. But the government claims to have succeeded in removing Indian soldiers from the Maldives.

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