Reiterating its concerns over Emergency in the Maldives, India on Thursday said it does not see any valid reason for its extension and asked President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to respect the will of the people.
“Our sincere desire is to see that democracy in the Maldives is restored and situation returns to normal. This is also the desire of the people of the Maldives. We are, therefore, dismayed that the Maldives Government has extended the Emergency for a further 30 days. We do not see any valid reason for doing so. We of course continue to watch the situation and would continue to urge the Government of Maldives to release political prisoners, release the Chief Justice, implement the Supreme Court order and restore the normal functioning of the institutions of democracy,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
The MEA had on Wednesday too made a statement expressing its unhappiness and concerns over the present situation in Maldives. India and Maldives have traditionally enjoyed a comfortable relationship with Male underlining from time to time that India remains a priority in its foreign policy. However, things have changed drastically over the last few years after Yameen took over due to his tilt towards China.
“We are deeply dismayed that the Government of Maldives has extended the State of Emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern. The consequent delay in the resumption of the political process and the continuing suspension of the functioning of democratic institutions including the judiciary is likely to further delay restoration of normalcy in Maldives. It is important to ensure that all democratic institutions are allowed to function in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the Constitution,” the Indian Government said on Wednesday.