India appeals for calm in Maldives

India today appealed to all political parties and socio-political organisations in Maldives to maintain peace and calm and cooperate in the efforts to maintain law and order.

Expressing serious concern over the recent escalation of tensions in Maldives, Indian High Commission underlined the need for all the parties to work together in the spirit of cooperation and reconciliation to resolve all the outstanding issues.

As supporters of deposed President Mohamed Nasheed continued protests demanding early election, the Maldives government today blamed him for inciting violence.

A statement from President Mohamed Waheed's office said supporters of the former president were disrupting law and order, blocking traffic, and harassing road users.

"The recent escalation of tensions in Maldives is a matter of serious concern. The High Commission of India appeals to all political Parties and socio-political organisations to maintain peace and calm and cooperate in the efforts to maintain law and order," a statement from the Commission said.

"In this context, it is important that setting aside their differences, the parties should hold talks to ameliorate the current situation so that day to day life of Maldivian people is not affected adversely," it said.

The statement comes at a time when the All Party Roadmap Talks, the India-facilitated talks to try and break the political deadlock following the controversial ousting of President Mohamed Nasheed on February 7, have remained in deadlock for over a month.