The military strategist who masterminded the 2000 takeover of parliament says he is ashamed of the military takeover and is glad that he is no longer a part of the institution.
Former SAS man, Ilisoni Ligairi, who has been silent since his release from Nukulau prison two years ago, says there is a strong sense of resentment towards the military among most villagers but he had advised people who are "confused'' by the situation to "stay with the law".
Ligairi, who was jailed alongside 2000 coup leader George Speight said as he was now an independent observer of the crisis, he believes people have learnt since the events of 2000 to take the legal course of action if they didn't like the way things were being run.
"I don't think the military is very popular in the village and that would be putting it mildly," said the former RFMF Major speaking from his home in Naibalebale Village in Cakaudrove.
"I think the military is alienating itself from the public when their strength is in the people."
He said unlike the two previous coups "we knew exactly what we were fighting for in terms of indigenous rights, but with this one people are not that sure".
"I think a lot of people are confused by all that is going on but I would advise people who don't like what's happening to stay with the law," he said.
The former solider said; "I'm shamed about the military and really am quite happy I am no longer in the military."
"I think the military is only doing things for themselves and not in the interest of the whole country."
His comments were, echoed by another fellow Nukulau inmate, Simi Drole, who said the military was being hypocritical.
However, Drole, who served over three years on the island prison said he cannot understand why the military "opted to follow my way and not pursue legal avenues of taking control of the government".
"After what happened I learnt my lesson and have realised that when you have a political concern there is a legal channel to follow and not through violence, intimidation and a coup, no matter what," he said.
"I spent time in prison for treason and after five and a half years, they later came and did exactly what they were telling me was wrong and opted to follow my way."
Drole appealed to those against the military's actions to follow the legal ways of raising their concerns.
