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OPINION JUNE 04, 2021 | The Indian Eye 18

india’s options amid the

rising tide of radicalisation

in the Maldives

young people from countries with small population develop identity

crises and they tend to look to migrate and become part of global causes

(righteous or evil) in order to lead a life of significance

adil rasheed

he attack on former Mal-
divian president and cur-
Trent parliamentary speak-
er Mohammad Nasheed on
May 6, 2021 has led to specula-
tion that the assassination bid
was planned either by Islamist
extremists or his political oppo-
nents. In the initial hours after
the attack, the 53-year-old Na-
sheed was in a ‘critical condition’
and underwent multiple surger-
ies to his head, chest, abdomen
and limbs.
The Maldivian police termed
the attack a “deliberate act of
terror”, although no terrorist
group has so far taken responsi-
bility. The fact that the bombing
was carried out during Rama-
dan points to the fact that only
a terrorist group like ISIS could
have justified such a dastard-
ly act in the holy month. Many Mohammad Nausheed
experts question whether ISIS
would have resorted to a crude In the 1990s, when Maldives Solih may face uncertain times Maldivian Democratic Party,
home-made device knowing it was ruled by then President ahead, given the impact of the but also reach out to the demo-
might botch up the assassina- Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Na- pandemic on healthcare and cratically viable opposition par-
tion of a prominent leader. sheed was arrested more than tourism and the rising tide of ties that may restrict the malefic
Therefore, the finger of sus- twenty times for his protests and radicalisation. Factors like the expansionism of China, Paki-
picion has moved to other Isla- scathing publications against re- Israel-Palestine conflict and stan and other radical forces in
mist groups within the country pressive government policies, be the unconditional withdrawal and around that country.
and even to Nasheed’s political it over fraud in elections or over of US forces from Afghanistan In this regard, the influence
opponents. Maldivian authori- rampant corruption. In 2003, he by September 2021 add to the of Saudi Arabia and Gulf states,
ties are being currently helped played a key role in a civil un- heady mix. Nasheed’s assassina- now India’s close friends in the
by Australian police investiga- rest by requesting an autopsy tion attempt shows that Islamist region, can be called upon to
tors in this regard.4 So far, the on murdered teenage prisoner, wolves have already started bay- ensure peace and security in the
police have held three out of the Hassan Evan Naseem. ing at the gates. country.
“four people of interest” it said Democracy remains in a At this time, it might be wise Young people from countries
showed “suspicious behaviour fledgling state in the Maldives for India to not only continue with small population develop
at the crime scene”. and the presidency of Ibrahim supporting Nasheed’s ruling Continued on next page... >>

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