President Abdulla Yameen. Reuters file

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 6

India is mulling over possible options as it watches closely the sliding situation in the neighbouring Maldives. A day after issuing a travel advisory for citizens against “non-essential travel” to the Maldives, India, which said it was “disturbed” over the situation in the archipelago nation, reiterated its concern over the internal turmoil “following the refusal of the  government to abide by the unanimous ruling of the full Bench of the Supreme Court.” The SC Chief Justice and another senior judge were arrested today in dramatic developments after Emergency was declared by the government of President Abdulla Yameen. The SC had on February 1 ordered the release of political prisoners, including former President Nasheed, living in exile, as well as re-instatement of 12 disqualified MPs.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)“The government continues to carefully monitor the situation,” the Indian Government said. Sources dismissed media reports suggesting Indian aircraft and submarines had been put on standby after former President Nasheed’s sought India’s intervention. Nasheed tweeted: “On behalf of the Maldivian people we humbly request:1. India to send envoy, backed by its military, to release judges & political detainees including President Gayoom. We request a physical presence. 2. The US to stop all financial transactions of Maldives regime leaders going through US banks (sic).” Sources said the Defence Attache at Maldives Embassy in Delhi held conversations with officials in Directorate General of Military Intelligence and the latter denied such reports. India is looking at the option of restricting exports to Maldives under the 1981 trade agreement that offers Delhi certain privileges. But this could hurt the people on the ground the most. President Yameen remains defiant. In address to nation, he said: “There is no enforcement of a curfew and general movement, services and businesses are not affected. Nor is travel in and out of or within the country affected.”