Amitha Reji George, Pune
On Saturday a 14-year-old boy died in the Maldives after President Mohammed Muizzu allegedly declined permission to use an Indian-provided Dornier aircraft for his airlift.
The boy was suffering from a brain tumour and stroke. As the patient’s condition worsened, his family asked for an air ambulance to take him from his home in Gaaf Alif Villingili to the capital city of Male. But they were left unanswered for sixteen hours.
India has supplied a Dornier aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) that has been widely utilised for humanitarian aid on the island. Yet, the Maldivian government insists on removing the Indian military personnel in charge of operating and maintaining these assets. Their future, as of yet, is unsure.
The boy’s father stated, “We called Island Aviation immediately after the stroke to get him to Male, but they failed to answer our calls. They answered on Thursday morning at 8:30”. The solution is to have an air ambulance for such cases, reported Adhadhu, a Maldivian media channel.
Sixteen hours after the request for an emergency evacuation was made, the boy was taken to Male. The Aasandha Company Limited, which received the request for an emergency evacuation, responded to the request with a statement that they had started the evacuation process immediately, however, they regretted that the planned diversion could not be carried out because of an unforeseen technical issue with the flight.
“Muizzu’s refusal to use the Dornier resulted in losing a son at sea, of an Addu family, only a few days ago. Today, a young Georgian boy. The boy died while the Dornier had the chance to save his life. How many lives have to be lost as a result of Muizzu’s miserable arrogance ?” wrote Mohammed Faisal, a Former Maldivian deputy ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. The incident occurs in the wake of deteriorating relations between Maldives and India.
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in the diplomatic strain between India and the Maldives, especially since President Mohammed Muizzu took office in November of last year. The President has hinted at a change in foreign policy, indicating a break from the previous “India first” strategy and closer ties with China.