Political crisis deepened in the Maldives on Monday after President Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared a state of emergency for 15 days in the country following clashes between protesters and security forces after a shutdown of island nation’s Parliament by the Maldives Army.
Protesters opened the gate of Maafushi Prison in Male where the 12 MPs were detained on Yameen’s order. Protests are being held in Male as the President refused to follow Supreme Court’s ruling to release key Opposition leaders, and reinstate 12 MPs. Former President Mohammad Nasheed is currently in exile in the UK but faces arrest the moment he returns.
The Opposition parties of the Maldives have sought India’s assistance in defusing the situation and bringing things under control.
However, New Delhi on Monday preferred to remain tight-lipped over the fast paced developments in the island country, but the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) added that the Indian Government is “closely monitoring” the situation in Male. On Friday, the MEA had asked the Maldives President to abide by the apex court’s order.
Meanwhile, several countries, including India, have issued a travel advisory alerting their citizens planning visit to the Maldives.
India had in 1988 intervened through “Operation Cactus” to save the then President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, from a coup attempt by Sri lankan Tamil militants on behalf of Maldivian businessman Abdulla luthufi.