The Maldives government has reportedly suspended three of its ministers for their derogatory remarks on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the Lakshadweep vs Maldives row. The ministers suspended are – Hassan Zihan, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Transport and Civil, Mariyam Shiuna – Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts and Malsha, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Youth Empowerment.
The move comes after PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit last week triggered word of war after Maldives minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, in a social media post, claimed that India is shifting focus from the Maldives by promoting Lakshadweep as another tourist spot.
Many Indians also cancelled their trip to the Maldives for Lakshadweep after PM Modi posted pictures of the beaches on social media.
Maldives Government Issues Statement
The Maldives government, on the other hand, issued a statement on Sunday evening, stating: “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.”
Former President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took to microblogging site X and condemned the use of “hateful language” by the Maldivian minister against India and PM Modi.
“I condemn the use of hateful language against India by Maldivian government officials on social media. India has always been a good friend to Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age old friendship between our two countries,” Solih said.
Earlier in the day, former Vice President & Tourism Minister of Maldives, Ahmed Adeeb told CNN-News18 that the government condemns the statement made by some ministers over PM Modi. Adeeb stressed that the Maldives government should make these ministers apologise and resign from their posts.
MoS MEA Meenakshi Lekhi also reacted to the Maldives controversy and said, “I don’t give much credence to such people. The evolutionary history of India can only be appreciated by the ones who are evolved enough in their spiritual and mental space.”
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