India appeals for peace in Maldives

New Delhi: India has appealed to maintain peace and tranquillity in Maldives, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

In response to a question on the situation in Maldives, the official spokesperson said: “India has been closely monitoring the situation in the Maldives following the transfer of power on 7 February 2012.”

“We have noted that the Government of Maldives has constituted a Commission of National Inquiry, to look into the events surrounding the transfer of power in the Maldives in February 2012, which was later reconfigured by including a retired judge from Singapore as a Co-chair and a nominee of the former President of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed,” he said.

“India and Maldives enjoy close ties of friendship and cooperation. We are concerned at the recent reports indicating increased political tension in the Maldives. The Government of India appeals to all political parties to exercise restraint and to refrain from actions that might adversely impact on the atmosphere of peace and tranquillity in the country,” said the spokesperson.

“India remains committed to extending the fullest support and cooperation to the Government of Maldives in its endeavour to engage the leaders of various political parties in resolving the current situation for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Maldives,” he said.

Maldives witnessed political turmoil recently when Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed on Feb 7 resigned after public protests disrupted the island nation for weeks over the President’s order to arrest a senior judge of the country.

He announced his resignation in a TV address to the nation.

The nation witnessed violent street protests over the order given by Nasheed to arrest the chief judge of the Criminal Court, Abdulla Mohamed.

Nasheed had ordered to arrest Mohammed after had directed to release a government critic. He had called the arrest as illegal.

Mohamed Waheed was named the new President of the nation.