MEA advises Indians to defer non-essential travels to Maldives

In the wake of emergency being declared in the Maldives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday advised citizens to defer all non-essential travels to the country and urged expatriates to remain on alert due to the recent developments.

Opposition leaders across the Maldives are being rounded up and placed under detention as draconian measures are being put in place by President Abdulla Yameen. Early Monday evening President Yameen declared a state of emergency for 15 days.

"The prevailing political developments in the Maldives and the resultant law and order situation is a matter of concern for the Government of India. Indian nationals are, therefore, advised to defer all non-essential travels to Male and other atolls until further notice," the MEA said in a statement.

"Indian expatriates in Maldives are also alerted to the need for heightened security awareness, and urged to exercise due caution in public and avoid public gatherings," the statement added.

Maldives Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed has informed the President of Maldives Bar Association Husnu Al Suood that the Army could storm the Supreme Court building at any moment.

Suood took to Twitter to inform that Chief Justice called him to inform the public about the recent developments and threat to his life.

Yameen, who has been defying Supreme Court's orders on releasing former president Mohamed Nasheed, and free eight other political opponents from prison, has now given sweeping powers to security forces in the country, which is facing widespread domestic protests against the president.

On Monday morning, Maldives capital Male remained tense, with the opposition and general public unrelentingly asking President Yameen to step down and allow a new leadership to take charge.