New Delhi: The Maldives government on Sunday suspended three ministers, Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid, for making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These comments sparked widespread criticism.
Earlier in the day the Maldivian government responded to derogatory comments made by a sitting Maldives minister against Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his recent visit to Lakshadweep. In a statement, they clarified that these opinions are personal and do not reflect the official stance of the Maldivian government. Additionally, they emphasised their readiness to take action against individuals responsible for making such derogatory remarks.
“The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives…Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” said Maldives government in a statement.
Earlier, the Indian govt formally expressed its concerns to the Maldivian government over derogatory comments made by Mariyam Shiuna, a sitting Maldives minister, concerning India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shiuna, who holds the position of Deputy Minister at the Maldives Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Art, and serves as the spokesperson of the Male City Council, had posted disparaging remarks following PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.
The post by Shiuna — which has now been deleted — featured the pictures of PM Modi from his recent visit to Lakshadweep.
PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep on January 2 and shared several pictures, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ after he tried his hand at snorkelling.
Earlier, Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed condemned the derogatory remarks made by the Maldives Minister and urged President Mohamed Muizzu to distance the government from the comments.
He said that India is “instrumental” in Maldives’ security and prosperity and asked Muizzu to give assurance to New Delhi that the comments don’t reflect government policy.
“What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy,” Nasheed posted on X.
Meanwhile, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will be visiting China from January 7-12. This is his second foreign visit after assuming office following the visit to Turkey.Notably, he departed from a long convention by not visiting India on the first official visit.
Significantly, in December last year, the Maldives said it would not renew the Hydrographic Survey agreement made with India, a Maldives-based news website, The Press, reported.
The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.