India - The Indian Ocean Civilization & IOR

vasu raya · Post by **vasu raya** » 18 Dec 2012 09:29

The mil base plan of the Chinese may take physical shape before the change of Govt. in Indraprastha

since they are counting on the current GoI to simply wring their hands ala Kurshid's statement that Chinese can have access to Indian ocean since Mao's grandson (read CPC) is a fat b*st*rd and still growing that they need more resources.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 18 Dec 2012 09:31

There are several hidden elements at work here.There seems to be competition between western and PLAN vested interests to wrest the Maldives for their own purposes,but both want India thrown out ! With the weakest Indian govt. in history,Man-Mouse Singh and his Ministry of Excremental Affairs,at the "helm of affairs" of state,a paralysis both mental and physical has happened to Indian foreign policy.With India's historical precedent in the Maldives under Rajiv G.,intervention to save a genuinely democratically elected govt.,this regime in power should never have been allowed by India to have overthrown the former.We should've threatened to use the big stick,but the jokers in charge of both foreign and defence policies in the cabinet,one an ignoramouse and the other an indecisive "choker",with a PM who always looks to Washington for a foreign policy path and the Economisst for an economic policy,we have been well and truly shafted.To add to our misery,we now have heading the foreign desk,a man who has already abdicated and surrendered Indian territory to China (even before they asked for it!),and aptly named Salman-the-Cursed!

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 18 Dec 2012 09:33

Another angle: look at the businesses with which GMR supremo dealt with earlier on his way up. One of them I think is Mallya. There is some other underlying story too that has evolved under the radar within desh too here. A possible fall out over funding may be?

Any such dynamic will paralyze GOI actions outside borders. There will be no action - as such - in Maldives. There is heavy footprint of Saudi/Dubai sourced Islamic networks and a growing proportion [cumulative] of Paki madrassah returned activists. The increasing dependence and ties with KSA means GOI will be hesitant to intervene.

Defence and intel ties act as double edged sword. The intel chiefs are most vulnerable to careful manipulation through seemingly genuine information and cooperation/trust. Add to that any ideological predilections developed during student days and not overcome later through independent thought process or self-analysis, ego-boosting on good services to masters, can lead to fixations away from the real factors or enemies - just as desired by foreign "cooperators".

vasu raya · Post by **vasu raya** » 20 Dec 2012 02:31

GMR being an India registered company and Maldives govt. both being parties of dispute at the Singapore court, what is the impact of GoI de-recognizing the current Maldives govt.? an unrecognized political entity cannot work with any India registered company. What is Singapore's jurisdiction on recognizing a political entity?

Virupaksha · Post by **Virupaksha** » 20 Dec 2012 05:43

vasu raya wrote:GMR being an India registered company and Maldives govt. both being parties of dispute at the Singapore court, what is the impact of GoI de-recognizing the current Maldives govt.? an unrecognized political entity cannot work with any India registered company. What is Singapore's jurisdiction on recognizing a political entity?

The airport had a world bank or some such entity involvement. It was that institution which ran the tenders, not completely the maldives govt. It was a world wide open tender. Because of the involvement of that institution, one of the clauses of the tenders was disputes were subject to the singapore court jurisdiction - an usual clause for many MNCs & institutions as they usually have their asia-pacific HQ over there.

The GMR chief discussed this in a telugu interview with RK posted in this thread some pages back.

chanakyaa · Post by **chanakyaa** » 23 Dec 2012 23:51

There are several hidden elements at work here.There seems to be competition between western and PLAN vested interests to wrest the Maldives for their own purposes,but both want India thrown out ! With the weakest Indian govt. in history,Man-Mouse Singh and his Ministry of Excremental Affairs,at the "helm of affairs" of state,a paralysis both mental and physical has happened to Indian foreign policy.With India's historical precedent in the Maldives under Rajiv G.,intervention to save a genuinely democratically elected govt.,this regime in power should never have been allowed by India to have overthrown the former.We should've threatened to use the big stick,but the jokers in charge of both foreign and defence policies in the cabinet,one an ignoramouse and the other an indecisive "choker",with a PM who always looks to Washington for a foreign policy path and the Economisst for an economic policy,we have been well and truly shafted.To add to our misery,we now have heading the foreign desk,a man who has already abdicated and surrendered Indian territory to China (even before they asked for it!),and aptly named Salman-the-Cursed!

So true and sad. Heart bleeds. Hate to express personal views, but had to get it out. This really is not the fault of MMS, Desh ki Bahu or Khur$hit. It is MY fault and everyone on BR who takes lot of personal time to express intelligent and valuable insights. Everyone on BR with post count > 500 is perfectly capable of becoming the next PM and take the rein of the country and lead India to be a great nation it deserves it to be. But we have chosen not to do it. Private sector jobs and comfy living is lot more enticing. Why wouldn't the incompetent knuckle-heads fill the void. We are giving them a blank cheque.

Victor · Post by **Victor** » 24 Dec 2012 04:17

Maldives could seek compensation, says its AG

the AG said that the contract was void from the beginning. She added that the government therefore intended to seek compensation for damages it “might” have incurred during the process of entering into the contract with GMR, local newspaper Haveeru reported

Djinn legalese in action.

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 08 Jan 2013 03:20

Posting here for continuity even though this has nothing to do with Maldives

Bji...

Looks like GMR fell off from the favorite list of someone important...

GMR Infra ends pact with NHAI for building India’ largest highway

GMR Infra has terminated its contract with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for building the Kishangarh-Udaipur-Ahmedabad highway after the highways authority failed to get the required environmental clearances among others for GMR to proceed with the project execution.{Then why blame GMR?}

“GMR Infrastructure has said that GMR Kishangarh Udaipur Ahmedabad Expressways Limited, a subsidiary of the company, has terminated the concession agreement entered into with NHAI for six laning of 555 Km Kishangarh-Udaipur-Ahmedabad highway,{Must be at least Rs 4,000 crore project}” the company informed the BSE.

According to an NDTV report, NHAI is planning legal action against the infra major after it terminated the Kishangarh Expressways pact even after achieving financial closure for this project in May 2012. A a third of the equity requirement was also ready.

“One option for NHAI is to blacklist the company for at least one year. Under the second option, GMR will have to forfeit 5 percent of the total project cost as bank guarantee,” the report said.

The company had won the project in September, 2011, through the international competitive bidding route. It is to be implemented through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer basis. The infrastructure major currently has 4 annuity projects and 6 toll projects totaling 6,685 lane kms cross under its Highways business segment.

Shares of the company closed at Rs 20.55 apiece, up 3.27 percent on the BSE.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 20 Jan 2013 10:48

Upset India snubs Maldives, refuses to host foreign minister

Sending a strong signal to Maldives that India is not willing to engage with its current leadership after the GMR controversy, the government has turned down an official request from the Maldivian foreign minister to visit India to set up a visit by the Maldivian president.

Foreign Minister Abdul Samad Abdullah tried his best to reach out to New Delhi on behalf of President Mohamed Waheed but failed. So much so that he came to Delhi on a private visit this month after his official request was rejected and sought meetings in a personal capacity, sources said.

But he had no significant meeting as South Block gave him the cold shoulder.

It was Waheed, it is learnt, who was behind this desperate bid to reflect some normalcy in relations. India, on the other hand, was also concerned over the real motive behind these gestures. With elections expected in the next three-six months, South Block was wary about Waheed or his foreign minister wrongly projecting a meeting for domestic political gains in the name of rapprochement with India.

Waheed has lost all credibility with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as he had specifically assured Singh during his visit to India last May that Malé will not rescind on the GMR contract despite political pressure.

He had said that he was the vice-president when the GMR contract was signed and knew the details well to be certain that it was in Malé’s interest to stay the course. Sources said that at no point later did he alert New Delhi about matters spinning out of control.

The call to withdraw all high-level contact with Waheed and his government also comes in the backdrop of the fact that India had decided to recognise him almost immediately after he took over despite complaints from his predecessor Mohammed Nasheed. India came to regret this because Waheed was able to ward off any challenge once he projected Indian support.

With ties reaching their lowest ebb, India has been making it difficult for Maldives. New Delhi has shown the rulebook to Malé on visas and imposed stay restrictions. Special favours to Maldivian vessels visiting Indian ports for picking up essentials have been withdrawn.

Malé, on its part, has addressed long-pending visa issues that New Delhi had. However, that has not made any headway with an extremely upset and cautious South Block.

member_23629 · Post by **member_23629** » 20 Jan 2013 10:58

^^^ The Indian habit of giving privileges to others for free without asking for anything in return keeps coming back to bite it in the arse. When you keep distributing rights to others as Santa Clause, they start treating you like dirt. These rights and privileges should be given after hard negotiations and extracting equal value in return.

johneeG · Post by **johneeG** » 21 Jan 2013 05:00

varunkumar wrote:^^^ The Indian habit of giving privileges to others for free without asking for anything in return keeps coming back to bite it in the arse. When you keep distributing rights to others as Santa Clause, they start treating you like dirt. These rights and privileges should be given after hard negotiations and extracting equal value in return.

Mistakes:
Apatra danam... (charity/generosity to undeserving). Ex: India's relationship with India's neigbours.
Charity/generosity beyond one's capacity. Ex: India trying to provide electricity to pakis.
Charity/generosity without taking into account geo-political implications(Desha-Kala-Paristhiti). Aman ki asha, Hindi-Chini bhai bhai, ...etc.
Charity/generosity motivated by the leadership based on their own bias(or vested interests), rather than welfare of the country. example: India offering flood-aid to pakis.

The scriptures prescribe certain attitudes and conditions under which daana becomes fruitful and effective. First, one must give according to one's capacity. One must not give in excess of one's capacity and then expect a favour in return from the recipient. Anything which is given with a hidden motive or with an expectation of material returns is not daana.

Second, the donor must have a proper attitude - Shraddha (with deep respect, sincere trust and dignity). Any act of charity done without Shraddha becomes meaningless. The donor must not consider oneself superior to the recipient. Swami Vivekananda says the donor that we must feel grateful that someone is giving us the opportunity to share our knowledge or resources; it is the donor who benefits from the act of giving; not the recipient. The donor must look upon the recipient as God himself in human form and perform charity with great humility.

Third, the recipient also must satisfy some conditions. He must be a worthy recipient - adhikari. The scriptures prohibit apatra daanam- charity done to an unworthy recipient is not only fruitless but can also prove dangerous - like money given to a drunkard or a drug addict who might injure others after indulging.

Finally, one has to be sensitive to the desa-kala parameters. Charity should be done at the right time, at the right place and with due respect to all the protocols and rituals. Charity thus performed becomes a boon both to the giver and the receiver.

member_23629 · Post by **member_23629** » 21 Jan 2013 09:40

Consular issues affecting the India-Maldives relationship

1. Discrimination against Indian expatriates

In recent past, several cases have come to the notice of the High Commission of India regarding the arrest of Indian nationals on various charges. In most of these cases, the Indian High Commission was not even officially informed.

In a recent case, an Indian national was arrested and kept in detention for several weeks, but we did not receive any official intimation despite a letter sent by the High Commissioner to the Home Minister.

2. Keeping passports of Indian nationals by employers

It is unfortunate that despite many references and high level meetings with Indian delegations, no progress has been made to eliminate this illegal practice which effectively results in the restriction of movement of Indian nationals. In several cases Indian nationals are not able to reach India in times of extreme emergency such as critical illness of family members and relatives, due to these practices.

It is unfortunate that even government authorities such as the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health keep the passports of Indian teachers and medical personnel in their custody.

It is also reported that deposits and original certificates are kept illegally by the Ministry of Education before returning the passports of Indian teachers needing to visit India in emergency situations.

3. Exploitation of Indian workers

In the past 12 months there have been more than 500 cases regarding the suffering of Indian workers due to various acts of their employers. These include non-payment of visa fees, non-payment of salaries, keeping workers in inhumane conditions, and not allowing workers to go to India even for medical emergencies or after the death of their relatives.

While so many Indians suffered – including one who died waiting for his return to India – there is no information of any action taken against employers/agents. Furthermore, the salaries of many workers who have left India still needs to be recovered from employer/agents.

In another recent case, several nurses working out in the islands had to finally cancel their scheduled weddings because their permit and visa were not renewed by the Ministry of Health even after three weeks of waiting in Male.

4. Repatriation of mortal remains

While the departments of the Maldivian government such as the Ministry of Education do repatriate the mortal remains of Indian teachers at their cost, some private employers refuse to do so resulting in serious difficulty repatriating the bodies of Indian expatriates who die while in the Maldives.

5. Issue of dependent visa for old parents of Indian employees

While India readily provides dependent visas for the parents of children, the Maldivian government requires a request letter from the Indian High Commission to entertain such a visa request from an Indian expatriate.

6. Visa fee

While all visas for Maldivian nationals to travel to India are free, there are steep fees for visas for Indians in the Maldives, including newly born babies. There are very high penalties of MVR 15,000 (US$1000) even for a one day delay in the return or renewal of a visa.

7. Repatriation of salary

Indian professionals are complaining that they are not allowed to repatriate salaries of more than US$1000 a month, putting them at great disadvantage and difficulty.

8. Threat calls to diplomats

Threat calls have been received by the First Secretary. Authorities have given no feedback despite the lapse of one month.

9. Reopening of cases relating to sentenced Indian prisoners

Three Indians who have been convicted on murder charges have represented against their conviction based on forced confessions and requested reopening of their cases or presidential pardon.

10. Payment of deduction of salary

Fifteen percent of salaries and allowances were deducted [for some workers] during the economic recess. We have received representation for payment of the amount.

11. Pension contribution

Pension/contribution entitlement for Indians who have died, retired or returned to India should be paid to them.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 21 Jan 2013 10:53

GMR fiasco apart, India will continue as benign neighbour - Sandeep Dikshit, The Hindu

India is aiming to step up trilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka and the Maldives in maritime security despite the current cold vibes between New Delhi and Male. The three countries have started coordinating with one another in ensuring the security of the Indian Ocean patch in the neighbourhood. India has proposed an increase in the level of coordination, say government sources.

Although India is keeping minimal contacts with the Maldives regime after President Mohammed Waheed was unable to keep his word, given to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on continuing with the Indian corporate GMR’s Male airport contract, New Delhi does not want to create a security vacuum that could be exploited by religious extremists, who led the agitation calling for the scrapping of the project.

Besides cooperation in the area of security, India is keen that it continues to back institutions crucial to sustaining the Maldives’ nascent democracy such as the Election Commission and the judiciary. “We tend to forget that democracy in Maldives arrived very recently. It is important it takes root. What we are seeing are the ups and downs in any democracy. It has not settled down yet,” an official observed.

The economy too has gone from bad to worse and today the Maldives is facing a large revenue shortfall and has a few weeks of foreign exchange reserves left.

This is the reason why India has avoided pressurising the Maldives, except for a brief period when it became strict with visa issuance after the cancellation of the GMR contract.

India is waiting for the next election, expected to be held within the next six months, to break the political log-jam in which none of the three largest parties holds the top executive position in the country. On a parallel track, however, its cooperation to make the Maldives and the surrounding neighbourhood secure will continue, they say.

A very pragmatic approach.

Virupaksha · Post by **Virupaksha** » 21 Jan 2013 11:04

Wasnt this regime supposed to be our bestest friends and the islamist coup being with India's blessing from highest quarters.

Less than 6 months later and the islamists start hitting at Indian big business and all the blessed ever knowing highest quarters of Indian Govt and the high sources could do was wring its hands.

member_23629 · Post by **member_23629** » 21 Jan 2013 20:30

How in the hell is democracy in Maldives in our interest? We need a dictator there who rules with our support, just like the Saud family rules Saudi Arabia with US guarantee of protection. When will this itch of Indians to be the world's Santa Clause end?

Agnimitra · Post by **Agnimitra** » 13 Feb 2013 01:56

X-post from Islamism & Islamophobia thread:
Islamic Ministry claims Christians, Freemasons secretly working to “eradicate” Islam in the Maldives

Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has warned that Christians and Freemasons are working to “create doubts” on Islam within the hearts of young Maldivians.

Local media reported the Islamic Minister as claiming there is a “strong psychological war” conducted by “various Christian organisations” to “wipe out” Islam from the Maldives.

Shaheem further claimed that the Freemasons – a secretive society originating from Europe – was carrying out activities “in secret” within the Maldives.

Shaheem was speaking at a ceremony to mark the 886th anniversary of the Maldives’ conversion to Islam from Buddhism, in accordance to the legend taught in Maldivian schools.

“We have got a lot to do to strengthen Islamic faith through the national curriculum. We have to clarify the doubts being cast in the hearts of young generation. We can only overcome this through unified collaboration,” the Minister added.

President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik meanwhile expressed similar sentiment to the Islamic Minister, asking the public to be cautious of activities being carried out to allow other faiths into the country.

Waheed said the Maldives had remained an independent and sovereign nation because it was a “100 percent Islamic state”, and that the “unity and brotherly bond” between people was the result of Islam.

“It saddens me to say that despite the existence of such a bond, today we’re seeing a little weakening of that bond. We need to seriously think about this, especially when the introduction of multi-party politics has resulted in deterioration of familial bonds and social well being,” he said, in his address.

The story of how Maldives embraced Islam

The legend of how the nation converted to Islam is one that is still taught to children studying in Maldivian schools.

According to the story, an evil demon named ‘Rannamaari’ appeared from the sea on the first of every month, and would only leave the islanders alone after the sacrifice of a virgin girl.

Every month the islanders selected a girl to be sacrificed for the demon, only to discover her body on the beach the following morning.

This continued until one day a Muslim traveller named Abul Barakathul Yousuful Baru Bary arrived in Male’ and happened to stay in the house of the next virgin girl selected for sacrifice.

As he saw the whole family weeping in sorrow he asked what was going on, and learnt about the procedure..

He then decided to disguise himself as the virgin girl and go to the temple instead. The following morning the islanders found him alive and reciting the verses of the Quran.

The King and his people were impressed that the demon never appeared after that incident, and decided to embrace Islam from that day onwards.

The story itself is now dismissed by the young generation as a myth, with many people believing instead that it was the King himself allegedly raping and murdering the virgin girls every month.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 13 Feb 2013 05:46

Indian teacher raped in Maldives, critical
Use Arab Excuse and Invade

A 24-year-old India [ Images ]n computer teacher was brutally raped in Maldives [ Images ] and is in "very serious condition", prompting India to take up the matter with Maldivian government.A young Indian teacher working on the island of Dhangethi in Alif Dhaal Atoll has been hospitalised after a group of people broke into her home on Sunday night and allegedly raped her, Minivan News reported.The woman is in a "very serious condition" following the attack, Island Council President Azim Adam was quoted as saying.India has strongly taken up the matter with the Maldivian authorities, official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi [ Images ]. He said Indian mission's official in Male have spoken to Maldives' acting Minister for Gender and Family Mariyam Shakeela seeking justice for the victim, a teacher at private computer school.The Maldivians have assured India that the perpetrators of the crime will be brought to justice.The official said two Indian officials including a woman officer from the mission met the victim at the hospital. The victim had to undergo blood transfusion.Meanwhile, Adam said, "They broke in (to her house) around 2:15 am. I came to know about it at 4:00 am and I instantly reported it to the police. The girl is now in the atoll hospital in a very serious condition."A source close to the victim said she was in the hospital's intensive care unit but was "bleeding uncontrollably", the Minivan News said."We have put seven pints of blood into her but she is still bleeding. It is a very serious issue. We are planning to send her to India, there is not much more we are able to do here," the source was quoted as saying.Island Council President Adam said the young woman had been working on the island for less than a month, and described her as a "very kind person who was very friendly towards the local islanders".

habal · Post by **habal** » 13 Feb 2013 14:28

Nasheed takes refuge in Indian high commission and is barricaded in it at present. Time for MMS, RGji to show that they actually have a pair.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 13 Feb 2013 14:46

I was reading just a few days ago how swiftly Rajiv G reacted and how well our IL-76s performed,landing in total darkness within less than 36 hrs.The safety of our HC staff is now at stake and if there is an ugly incident we should certainly take action against the Maldivians.An air and naval blockade should be one option if the sh*t hits the fan.Street unrest is on,alleged threats to the lives of those who have taken refuge-the situ is grim.

A small task force of naval warships with special forces aboard to extricate Nasheed and his MPs if they remain in the IHC and are under serious threat to life and limb,should be immediately despatched. With the Augusta-Westland scandal exploding under the UPA's dhoti,it remains to be seen if their ghoolies are intact and in working order!

Yogi_G · Post by **Yogi_G** » 13 Feb 2013 15:57

So if they enter the Indian embassy forcefully will that be considered a violation of our sovereignty? One of the Maldivian newspapers quotes the Male police chief as taking into account both international law and "national constitution" for the decision.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 13 Feb 2013 16:27

Any intrusion is a violation of a nation's sovereignity.It cannot happen.However,in the past like the Iranian hostage crisis during the Ayatollah Khomeini's time,it did,when the US embassy was invaded and hostages held and released only after Reagan was elected.More recently in Libya the US Consulate in Benghazi was attacked and the ambassador and tragically 3 other Americans were killed.

The Maldivian govt. must tread very carefully right now.It also give India anopportunity to return to the fray and impose a "Pax Indica" between the warring political factions and shut out the Chinese.

Sri · Post by **Sri** » 13 Feb 2013 16:30

Nasheed seeks protection in Indian High Commision

Nasheed has tweeted confirming that he is seeking refuge in the Indian High Commission: “Mindful of my own security and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Maldives.”

Klaus · Post by **Klaus** » 13 Feb 2013 19:07

Time to land there in force, purge some scum and round-up a few for gathering intelligence. And while we are at it, scope and carry out surveys of Gan island too.

RoyG · Post by **RoyG** » 13 Feb 2013 22:13

Klaus wrote:Time to land there in force, purge some scum and round-up a few for gathering intelligence. And while we are at it, scope and carry out surveys of Gan island too.

We let the reds turn the hindu republic of nepal into a secular one. What makes you think this will be any different? Congress lacks the testicularity to do anything especially when all their black money (your money) gets routed through that island nation which is growing increasingly islamic by the day.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 13 Feb 2013 23:06

SS, On GMR the guy thought he needs to pay up to 2G only and forgot to take care of locals.
Its not a national interests issue.

Virupaksha · Post by **Virupaksha** » 14 Feb 2013 01:50

I am soo happy that this is happening. These islamist alignments were going on for a long time. Its good that they are being publicly exposed and are forcing the dhimmi rulers and business interests of India to take a stand.

Remember how when the coup took place, how it was declared to be actually an Indian coup by people with high sources in Soudi intelligence.

Ramana garu, I think GMR paid off the then ruling locals and not the islamist faction, which has couped itself to power by hoodwinking India.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 14 Feb 2013 02:21

MEA says he hasn't sought refuge and has only asked to meet the Indian ambassador who isn't present. They are just trying to get international attention.

Virupaksha · Post by **Virupaksha** » 14 Feb 2013 02:26

shyamd wrote:MEA says he hasn't sought refuge and has only asked to meet the Indian ambassador who isn't present.

An absolute lie from your sources. Who are they trying to fool? Straight from the horse's mouth.
https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed

Mindful of my own security and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Maldives

No, if what your sources are that, it means that MEA is afraid to give him refuge.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 14 Feb 2013 03:05

Yeah India is shivering in their dhotis at the sight of Maldivian police going to storm the embassy

There are 2 things happening there - 1) MDP trying to get as much international attention 2) Opposition trying to give Nasheed as hard time as possible by nook or crook and stop him from participating in elections.

You know one of his party official/ex minister was tweeting last week that Nasheed was escaping Maldives via boat to India for his own safety and security - so he could have applied for political asylum there and then in India and not just that, he didn't have to return to Maldives... So why return if he was so scared for his life?

Won't be long before the truth is out.

Indias position is to let fair and free elections take place. Nasheed has a good chance to win as he has the backing of the youth more or less.

---
Maldives: India asks Waheed to ensure Nasheed contests elections

World, Posted on Feb 13, 2013 at 11:35pm IST
CNN-IBN

Male: Former Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed is in fresh trouble and has taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Male after the country's highest court refused to stay the arrest warrant against him.

Talking tough on the issue, India has asked the current President, Mohammed Waheed, to ensure that Mohammed Nasheed is able to contest the elections in September. India has said that the credibility of the elections will be affected if the former president is not able to contest.

Earlier, referring to Nasheed, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai had said, "He has said he needs our assistance. We are talking to him, then we will talk to the government of Maldives."

Former Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed is in fresh trouble and has taken refuge at the Indian High Commission.

According to sources, it could take days before the issue is settled. The warrant has been issued against Nasheed over alleged illegal detention of judge Abdullah Gazi.

Confirming the reports of his taking refuge in the Indian embassy, Nasheed had posted a tweet, "Mindful of my own security and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Maldives."

Reacting to the development, Maldivian President Office spokesperson Masood Imad said, "As of now he is just visiting the Indian High Commission. We will wait and watch. We have no reason now to say he has taken refuge there."

Imad further said, "The Indian government is fully aware of what Nasheed has been doing. The Indian government will make a wise decision."

Talking about the situation, Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, spokesperson for the Maldivian Democratic Party, said it was too early to say on the political asylum issue. He further said, "I believe that Nasheed wants India government to help. Indians are best suited to help."

Virupaksha · Post by **Virupaksha** » 14 Feb 2013 03:35

I agree with you about Maldivian factional intents. Though with the rich history of how islamics deal with their opposite powerless factions, I believe the threat to his life is imminent and real. That it took this long indicates nasheed originally had powerful backers.

Yes, mea is AFRAID to antagonize the Islamist backers, afterall votebanks and note banks of islamist connections. I thought when the coup took place, according to your sources this was an Indian blessed coup. What changed that your sources say that they NOW want a free election. And if it was an Indian blessed coup, why would nasheed hide in Indian embassy after all according to your sources we were behind his fall.

Ps; your sources in your previous post have clearly lied that nasheed did not seek refuge, what else have they lied and are lying about

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 14 Feb 2013 03:40

Virupaksha wrote:I agree with you about Maldivian factional intents. Though with the rich history of how islamics deal with their opposite powerless factions, I believe the threat to his life is imminent and real. That it took this long indicates nasheed originally had powerful backers.

So why come back then after going to india due to threats for his life??

Yes, mea is AFRAID to antagonize the Islamist backers, afterall votebanks and note banks of islamist connections. I thought when the coup took place, according to your sources this was an Indian blessed coup. What changed that your sources say that they NOW want a free election. And if it was an Indian blessed coup, why would nasheed hide in Indian embassy after all according to your sources we were behind his fall.

Nasheed said himself that India backed it btw! Nasheed is not hiding - he turned up asking for a meeting with the high commissioner and said he'll wait until he turns up - this is a future candidate for president of Maldives - so are you telling me he should be forcibly asked to leave until the High commissioner returns? Can't you see he is just trying to create an issue and drag us into it???

Ps; your sources in your previous post have clearly lied that nasheed did not seek refuge, what else have they lied and are lying about

Err... Official MEA statement and subsequent statements made by officials said clearly he has asking for assistance - NOT TAKING REFUGE! Its just people trying to create a BIG headline! Incidentally also today his appeal by his legal team not to have him arrested was also won in the maldivian high court - so no chance of arrest legally.

Beg to differ. On the contrary, india doesn't want to get involved in the internal politics but just wants to ensure free and fair elections - and is ensuring Nasheed has a chance to contest (probably because of Waheed's promises being broken and Nasheed would probably win). Thats all and nothing more.

Lol, Nasheed party was spreading rumours that police was surrounding and barraccading it. Totally false

Virupaksha · Post by **Virupaksha** » 14 Feb 2013 04:20

shyamd wrote:
Virupaksha wrote:I agree with you about Maldivian factional intents. Though with the rich history of how islamics deal with their opposite powerless factions, I believe the threat to his life is imminent and real. That it took this long indicates nasheed originally had powerful backers.
So why come back then after going to india due to threats for his life??

Power and protection by are tradeable quantities, that they are available yesterday is not a guarentee that they are available today. While Nehru and Shiek Abdullah could eliminate Shyam Mukherjee publicly and physically in early 1950s without repurcussions, their dynastic rulers wouldnt dare to do the same with Rajnath Singh today.

Yes, mea is AFRAID to antagonize the Islamist backers, afterall votebanks and note banks of islamist connections. I thought when the coup took place, according to your sources this was an Indian blessed coup. What changed that your sources say that they NOW want a free election. And if it was an Indian blessed coup, why would nasheed hide in Indian embassy after all according to your sources we were behind his fall.
Nasheed said himself that India backed it btw! Nasheed is not hiding - he turned up asking for a meeting with the high commissioner and said he'll wait until he turns up - this is a future candidate for president of Maldives - so are you telling me he should be forcibly asked to leave until the High commissioner returns? Can't you see he is just trying to create an issue and drag us into it???

Sure, I understand that he is trying to drag us into some muck or running for his life. All it will take is a clear statement that we are ready to give Indian hospitality, but we will not allow that those having that cannot enter maldives politics. Something like Soudis trade with Nawaz Sharif, a 5-10 year maritoriam for entering maldives. MEA has hit what in diplomacy is a jackpot and
are afraid that it needs some shining. IF what you say is true and he is not running for his life, What kind of buffons do we have in MEA to see this not as a golden opportunity? Either buffonery is going on or we are beholden to other powers.

Ps; your sources in your previous post have clearly lied that nasheed did not seek refuge, what else have they lied and are lying about
Err... Official MEA statement and subsequent statements made by officials said clearly he has asking for assistance - NOT TAKING REFUGE! Its just people trying to create a BIG headline!

Beg to differ. On the contrary, india doesn't want to get involved in the internal politics but just wants to ensure free and fair elections - and is ensuring Nasheed has a chance to contest (probably because of Waheed's promises being broken and Nasheed would probably win). Thats all and nothing more.

Lol, Nasheed party was spreading rumours that police was surrounding and barraccading it. Totally false

On the contrary, I have posted NASHEED'S PERSONAL TWITTER ACCOUNT which clearly cuts through all those lies. Nasheed has asked for refuge with India PUBLICLY. He might have also asked for support and wanted to speak to the head of the embassy (after all as you said decisions about him will not be from clerks but from Shinde/MMS level). It doesnt mean he hasnt asked for refuge.

Nasheed might be lying, no doubt, but he has publicly committed to asking for refuge. Now the ball is in MEA's court. Simple make a public offer stipulating the conditions to cut through it, if Nasheed is lying and make him also publicly take a stand. Expose his lies publicly, ofcourse if instead your sources are the one lying, than that is a different ball game isnt it?

PS: I have tried to differentiate uptil now between you and your sources, but I see it collapsing in your posts. I have said your sources are lying and never you. If you cant atleast keep a distant and objective distance from your sources info, I would be forced as well to collapse that distinction.

PS2: I also know the distinction between refuge and asylum.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 14 Feb 2013 11:38

India opts to side with Nasheed - Sandeep Dikshit, The Hindu

India admitted Mr. Nasheed had sought refuge in its Male mission and in a message to the Maldives government asked it not to take any steps that would bar candidates from recognised political parties from contesting elections. It also indicated that Maldives President Mohd. Waheed is on watch by asking him to ensure that the elections were free, fair and credible.

While New Delhi was confident of resolving the situation (by late evening the court had cancelled its order seeking Mr. Nasheed’s appearance), Maldives hit back by asking India to respect its country’s judicial independence. At the same time, the Maldivian government gave the assurance that it would uphold and respect its obligations under international law with regard to diplomatic immunities and privileges granted to resident diplomatic missions.

Ironically, the Nasheed drama unfolded at a time when an Indian warship arrived in Maldives to conduct a five-day anti-piracy and maritime domain awareness exercises with the Maldivian Nation Defence Force (MNDF).

Sources familiar with the events drew attention to a Ministry of External Affairs statement that named Mr. Nasheed as a presidential candidate and its subsequent exhortation not to disqualify candidates between now and the elections to assert that New Delhi shares the former President’s apprehension of the court case being a ploy to fix him.

Mr. Nasheed has been charged under Article 81 of the penal code which carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail or exile or a fine. He would be barred from contesting the upcoming Presidential elections if sentenced for more than one year in jail.

India is piqued at the current dispensation in Maldives cancelling a contract to an Indian-Malaysian consortium for modernising and operating the airport at Male despite Mr. Waheed assuring Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that his Government would avoid such a course. It is also upset over the free hand to minor but rabid politicians and religious figures who railed against India over the contract and sought the return of the Indian High Commissioner.

Mr. Nasheed was in India and had missed the court’s order to appear before it on Sunday due to this reason. The sources pointed out that while Mr. Nasheed and his predecessor Maumoon Abdul Gayoom were granted appointments with senior officials here, feelers for official interactions with the current government have been ignored.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 14 Feb 2013 12:09

Virupaksha,

Firstly, he wouldn't have returned if he felt so threatened and if something did happen to him - he'd get the sympathy vote. Waheed govt would be in deep trouble too!

Secondly - Indian position has been clear - we want elections and to let Nasheed contest.

Thirdly, You need to go through the facts again - not just look at his tweet. so you are saying that a future president who has turned up at our HC asking to meet the High Commissioner and saying I'm not leaving until I do is seeking REFUGE? It's not the first time and it won't be the last that he is trying to manipulate what's going on.

Also once the high commissioner turned up, we let him stay because he wants us to mediate in asking Waheed to step down amongst other things! Does that sound like refuge to you? Look at statements not just the MEA but officials who are actually dealing with the issue both in India and in Maldives. As of 4pm Maldivian time there was no chance of arrest either because he won the appeal! He can say what he wants, fact is that he has an interest to create a big hoo ha which he has been trying to do since day 1.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 14 Feb 2013 12:17

Some can always be guaranteed to have the greatest sympathies for those with the greatest GREEN quotient. Others who are opposed to them will be scheming manipulators, but the Kingdom of Barbaria will be a noble enterprise, clean of heart and broad of mind engaging to uplift India.

A Govt in Maldives under which Indians get raped, Indians firms get kicked out, Islamist speech are the norm, democratic process are murdered would be considered for nuanced understanding, where as the victims of the same would be questioned for their character certificates.

Why blame Burka Dutt for being a blatantly lying female dog alone? She has kindred spirits all over the place!!

All this in the name of "caring for India" of course.

member_23629 · Post by **member_23629** » 14 Feb 2013 12:18

India admitted Mr. Nasheed had sought refuge in its Male mission and in a message to the Maldives government asked it not to take any steps that would bar candidates from recognised political parties from contesting elections. It also indicated that Maldives President Mohd. Waheed is on watch by asking him to ensure that the elections were free, fair and credible.

It is stupid to promote democracy in Islamic countries -- it would never work as they become unstable -- Imams quickly start engineering protest movements against the government for not being Islamic enough.

Dictatorship is the only answer for these countries (because of the nature of Islam and the effect it has on the mental makeup of believers who almost turn psychopaths full of conspiracy theories and the victimhood narrative).

To tackle Islamic countries, India should shun its rhetoric of democracy (which is self-defeating) and try to install benevolent dictators who will rule with our support (America has caught on to the trick). That is the only way.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 14 Feb 2013 12:20

varunkumar wrote: To tackle Islamic countries, India should shun its rhetoric of democracy (which is self-defeating) and try to install benevolent dictators who will rule with our support (America has caught on to the trick). That is the only way.

Overt democracy is fine, we just need to ensure that our people win. That is America's latest trick too isnt it?

member_23629 · Post by **member_23629** » 14 Feb 2013 22:10

^^^ In Islamic countries, this overt democracy trick doesn't work. America tried it in Egypt and burned its fingers. Hosni MUbarak was much better for them than the Islamists currently in power. Better to stay with the Saudi Arabian model.

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 15 Feb 2013 08:43

We must support democracy and if the resulting democracy is not in our interest, as it is the case in Maldives now, we should support elements that would support our cause and continue to claim that India was waiting and watching closely the internal developments in Maldives. Maldives cannot slip out of our hands.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 17 Feb 2013 20:36

Consultations have taken place between India and PRC, US and SL over Maldives events. We have decided to back Nasheed (well did the Waheed govt give us much choice?) and informed PRC and US to stay clear of the Waheed government.