Ex-pres. expresses concern over opposition’s use of ISIS-likeness flag

Parliament Speaker and former President, Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern over the opposition’s use of a flag with likeness to the flag of jihadist group Islamic State.

While the opposition coalition has been using a black flag with “#IndiaOut” written at its protests against neighboring India, the former president said that there is a possibility that the current wordings can be altered to the ones on the ISIS flag.

Citing “experts”, Nasheed said these are tactics used in the spread of extremism. Further, he called on all to ponder on this.

While the opposition protests are mostly held in the capital, these flags have been put up in various islands as well.

The opposition -comprising of former ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC)- claims that the the incumbent administration has ‘become a slave to India’, and condemned “Indian military presence in Maldivian soil”.

They claim that this is part of India’s plan to occupy the Maldives.

While the opposition continues to make various accusations against the neighboring nation and question its assistance to the country, some of its senior officials met with Indian High Commissioner Sunjay Sudhir earlier this month, seeking help in the work for the release of their leader and former President Abdulla Yameen from prison.

The island nation’s historic relations with India turned sour during Yameen's tenure, however, the relationship has improved since incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took over in November 2018.