Deeply dismayed over Emergency, says India

New Delhi: After the snub by the Maldives, India on Wedne-sday stepped up the attack on its tiny maritime neighbour, saying it was “deeply dismayed” at the extension of Emergency there by 30 days. India added that it was concerned by “the manner in which the extension of the state of emergency was approved by (Parliament) Majlis (which is) in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives”.

Meanwhile, in its reaction to events, the Maldiv-ian government said it is “conscious of the gravity and consequences of the decision”, adding that “the decision was taken as a last resort, after serious and exhaustive consideration, to ensure national security and constitutional order, to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard the peace and stability of the nation”.

The Maldivian government also assured that “the state of emergency will be lifted as soon as the threats posed to national security are addressed satisfactorily”.

But in a veiled criticism of India without naming it, the Maldives said its partners should “clarify facts and policies prior to reaching assessments” and that they should “refrain from any actions that could escalate an already delicate situation and derail the efforts being made to bring back normalcy in the Maldives”.

India had earlier called on the Maldivian government to obey the February 1 verdict of the Supreme Court there on release of political prisoners, but Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen had ignored the advice, thereby snubbing New Delhi. The Maldivan President has received full backing from China.

In a strong statement from New Delhi, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, “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.”