Speaker of the Parliament and former President Mohamed Nasheed says no force can wield away Maldivian independence from the grip of its people.

Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 55th Independence Day, he said Maldivians should act with understanding to safeguard the country’s freedom.

Nasheed said that even if a threat presents itself from the horizon beyond its border, Maldivians must act to protect its territories.

Nasheed said many had tried and failed to take over the Indian Ocean.

He also said notorious terrorist organization ISIS has been working to include the Maldives as part of its command and is operating its network to that effect.

Nasheed noted that authorities have now caught on to these operations and that he believed in the country’s people and its armed forces to protect its freedom and independence at any cost.