Q. 240 Adverse Developments In Maldives

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government is aware that thousand years old Hindu and Buddhist statues haven been destroyed in Maldives after a coup in that country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to protect Indian citizens and Indian culture in that country?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) There have been reports that some artifacts at the National Museum in Male, Maldives, belonging to the pre-Islamic era in Maldives, were damaged or destroyed in incidents of violence in February 2012.

(c) The Indian expatriate community in Maldives is safe. The Government is in touch with the Government of Maldives for continued safety and security of Indian nationals there. During the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Maldives on February 15-16, the President of Maldives indicated that the damage and destruction to the artifacts in the National Museum would be inquired into.

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