Nasheed’s statement about MNDF requesting his permission to open the armory is false- MNDF

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has said that former President Nasheed’s statement about MNDF staff requesting his permission to open the armory is a statement opposed to actual events that occurred.

 “While former President Nasheed is aware of regulations at the Defense Headquarters related to opening the armory, his statement in regard to the matter is a categorical lie opposed to the reality of the matter,” the MNDF statement said.

The MNDF statement said that according to MNDF regulation it wasn’t required to seek permission from the Commander-in-Chief or the Defense Minister nor is there a norm whereby permission is required to be sought from the President every time the armory is opened or closed. The statement also said that on that day (7th February) there was no call for the use of weapons and that at no time did Defense Staff consider to use weapons to tackle the events of the day.

“Former President Nasheed is well aware of the ‘Rules of Engagement’ formulated under the Defense Law.”, the statement said. It also stated that the National Defense Force is an institution that continue to give their co-operation to which ever constitutional government in Office at any time and that it is an institution that is formed under the Defense Law to protect the sacred religion of Islam, the State of Maldives and her people.

The MNDF went on to state what Nasheed continues to talk about the institution is pitched to obstruct the execution of the Defense Force’s responsibilities and duties and monger hatred amongst the public towards the institution and that these are extremely low-grade pursuits from a dignitary who had been the Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Force.

“Such statements he continues to make are aimed at lobbying the support of people who are bent on a particular political philosophy. The MNDF see Nasheed’s conduct in contradiction to that of a dignitary who had been the President and who has been the Commander in Chief. The MNDF requests Nasheed to contemplate over what he continues to say before he speaks”, the statement said.