Forces on alert as Maldivian Opposition appeals for help

NEW DELHI: India has put its special forces on standby in the wake of the crisis in Maldives following appeals from the island nation’s opposition leaders and judicial figures for a swift military intervention. The forces could also come in handy if the government needs to evacuate Indian nationals from the neighbouring country.

The Narendra Modi government’s move came after exiled former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed appealed to India to send an envoy supported by its military to free Supreme Court judges and other detainees held by the Abdullah Yameen government following the imposition of emergency on Monday night. “On behalf of Maldivian people we humbly request: India to send envoy, backed by its military, to release judges & pol. detainees... We request a physical presence,” Nasheed, who is currently in Colombo, said in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

India has readied its special forces, comprising airborne troops and naval assets, in southern India for deployment at short notice, people aware of the development said. The government is weighing its options and closely monitoring the situation including the safety of Indian nationals as well as that of citizens of other friendly nations in Maldives, they said. The government had not prepared any formal orders for deployment till late evening on Tuesday.

An external affairs ministry spokesman said: “We are disturbed by the declaration of a state of emergency in the Maldives following the refusal of the government to abide by the unanimous ruling of the full bench of the Supreme Court on February 1, and also by the suspension of constitutional rights of the people of Maldives. The arrest of the SC chief justice and political figures are also reasons for concern.”

Experts said the special forces can reach Maldives within hours if needed. India’s options for intervention include naval assets that can be deployed within a few hours, as well as airborne assets, including C-17 and C-130J special operations aircraft, they said.

“India has refrained from pushing Yameen over the past five years, fearing he would further embrace China. But it is time for India to act tough,” said an expert, who did not wish to be identified. “Yameen is strongly backed by China and the Maldives administration has been allegedly bribed by Chinese firms to win many contracts.”