Maldives Prez forced out, India keeping a watch | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Maldives Prez forced out, India keeping a watch

Hindustan Times | ByJayanth Jacob & Agencies, New Delhi / Male
Feb 08, 2012 01:37 AM IST

India is keeping a close watch on the situation in Maldives, where a police mutiny Tuesday led to the resignation of the country's first democratically elected president Mohamed Nasheed, capping several weeks of political unrest. Jayanth Jacob reports. From dissident to island President | In pics: 'Mutiny' in Maldives | Trouble in paradise

India is keeping a close watch on the situation in Maldives, where a police mutiny Tuesday led to the resignation of the country's first democratically elected president Mohamed Nasheed, capping several weeks of political unrest.


With a new unity government in place under the leadership of vice-president Mohamed Waheed Hassan, who worked with Unicef and is the country's first TV anchor, India feels that the "worst could be over" and the situation will stabilise.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"We remain committed to extending the fullest support and cooperation to the government of Maldives in its endeavour to promote peace and progress…," the ministry of external affairs spokesperson said in a statement.

Nasheed, who swept to victory in 2008 ending 30-year rule of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said in a televised address, "I resign because I am not a person who wishes to rule with the use of power." Nasheed drew opposition fire for his arrest of a judge he accused of being in the pocket of Gayoom.

Protests at the judge's arrest set off a constitutional crisis that had Nasheed defending himself against accusations of acting like a dictator. Hassan Saeed, leader of the DQP, one of the parties in the opposition coalition, and an Indian diplomatic source in Colombo said Nasheed had requested help from India and was refused, Reuters said.

One of the seven Saarc member countries, Maldives has a pivotal place in New Delhi's Indian Ocean and south Asia strategy. Its political leadership has shared close security ties with India.

A 30,000-strong Indian community lives in Maldives. "We continue to closely monitor the situation and understand that the Indian expatriate community there is safe," the spokesperson said.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On