Maldivian authorities expressed “concern” as cases emerged of Indian teachers being harassed in the archipelago amid a growing hate campaign against India fueled by opposition political parties. Police have filed complaints and are currently investigating the cases. Male, which has limited human resources, often recruit experts, technicians, and teachers from other countries, including India. 

Maldives’s Education Ministry’s confirmed that two cases, from two islands, of Indian teachers being harassed on the streets by groups came to light. They were harassed using slogans of the “India-Out”. 

“They have been requesting at schools to ensure their safety as well. Therefore, this is an extremely pressing concern of ours. This is deeply correlated to the future of our children,” Ahmed Ai, education secretary in the ministry, was quoted as saying by Sun news.  

This came after the opposition parties led by former President Abdullah Yameen have intensified their anti-Indian protests, under the banner of “India Out”, which seeks to end the supposed Indian military presence in the archipelago. 

“Should they not feel safe in those islands, they will not remain there to work. That would be a major loss,” Ali warned, adding such cases have been reported to Maldives Police Service as well. 

There were also instances of slogans like “India Out’ and ‘Say No To Indian’ being graffitied on the schools’ walls. 

“Installing banners in school areas, graffitiing school walls. Acts of this level have been noticed only within the past two days. This is saddening. These are things students should not see,” the ministry said.

Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid last week has also expressed concern over the “India Out” which is fueling anger against hatred against a friendly country. He further added that such campaigns are in favor of the Maldivians. 

Ties between the two countries are not based on a certain group or political party in the Maldives, Shahid said, adding New Delhi has always assisted the archipelago in every major crisis. 

Meanwhile, Yameen’s party expressed “disbelief” over such incidents and accused the government of making “excuses to bring more Indian military personnel” in the Maldives. 

 (SAM)