Former Minister of Defense Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim has said that allowing Indian helicopters or the military to man the machines are no threat to safety of Maldives.

Nazim said this while speaking on Sangu TV’s “habarah fahu” program last night. While the former Minister of Defense has said this, many have expressed grave concerns over the safety of Maldives while the helicopters and military presented by neighboring India remain in the country.

Colonel (Rtd.) Nazim said that, based on the expertise of his military training and experience, the helicopters and military are no threat.

He further said that in reality, the number of Indian military stationed in Maldives to operate the helicopters are not inappropriate. As such, Nazim reiterated that the military are here for operations and maintenance of the helicopters. He also urged Maldivians to consider the purposes for which the helicopters are being put to use in this country.

Nazim pointed out that the helicopters are here to aid in the case of incidents and medical airlifts. The Colonel (Rtd.) also said that helicopters are integral for search and rescue missions at sea where planes cannot be utilized. He said that while the helicopters and military are here under an agreement between Maldives and India, he believes it is not proper to send it all back, purely for political purposes.

Nazim also said that there are ways to diplomatically address concerns regarding an agreement between two nations. As such, he pointed out that the manner in which former administration of President Yameen attempted to send back the Indian helicopters and military through force, was improper.