The Police and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has said that they will not, in anyway help or facilitate terrorists.
They made the remarks following an interview given to The Independent news of the UK by former President Mohammed Nasheed during his recent trip to London.
During an interview for Vnews, MNDF's Lieutenant Colonel, Mohammed Saleem said that their military training is conducted under specific arrangements in a very organized manner. He also added that former military personnel being involved in acts of terrorism is a distant.
He added that the military training is a great way to create strong men for the country and our society. He said that military personnel, and former officers would be able to serve the society in various ways, and added that an ex-militant participating in acts of terrorism is highly unlikely.
Saleem said that remarks made by former presidents of the country about the security forces will be closely monitored by international media, and added that they should talk responsibly about the issue.
He revealed that even though former President Nasheed has accused that Maldivian jihadists fighting in Iran and Syria for the Islamic State (IS) has direct links in the military, such information had not been received by the military intelligence. He further added that they had not received any information as to whether there are any Maldivians fighting in the countries for IS.
Saleem said that if the military had any links with terrorists, they would not receive any help from other countries in their training programs while noting that the Maldivian military is always receiving help from other countries in it's training programs.
Police also said that they do not facilitate, or help any terrorists regarding the remarks made by Nasheed. The official also said that they had never received information about a Police, current or former being involved in an act of terrorism.
Spokesperson for the President's Office, Ibrahim Muaz said that Nasheed's interview is an attempt to seek attention. And added that the government is not concerned, and will not pay any attention to such talks.
Muaz added that Nasheed had always talked in a degrading manner for the military forces in the country, before, during and after his presidency. He also said that it's a very irresponsible behavior, which should not be seen by a former president of any country.
Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim also criticized the interview by Nasheed. He said that no individual should shape their talks in a way which degrades the military forces of the country, and the country itself.
In the interview for The Independent, Nasheed has said that there are over 200 Maldivians fighting in war in Iraq and Syria, and added that most of them include ex-military personnel.