The Maldivian government today suspended ministers whose social media posts against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked a massive firestorm with several Indians even claiming to have cancelled their scheduled trip to the nation made up of more than a hundred islands dotted with luxury resorts. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today issued a statement on the stand of the Government of India in relation to some posts on social media that are insulting to neighboring India,” the Maldives goverment said in a statement.
“Those who made such posts on social media while in government positions have now been suspended from their jobs,” the statement said without revealing the names of those who have been suspended.
As per local media, ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha and Hassan Zihan have been suspended.
It all began when these ministers and some other leaders in the Maldives posted derogatory remarks against PM Modi after he posted several photos and video from his recent visit to Lakshadweep. His posts where he was seen snorkelling went viral, prompting social media users to suggest India’s smallest Union Territory as an alternate tourist destination to the Maldives.
The Maldivian government, earlier in the day, distanced itself from these remarks and said the opinions were “personal and do not represent the views of the Government” after several opposition leaders in the country slammed the “appalling language”.
The freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, and negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners, it said.
This comes as a big reassurance to India amid the diplomatic tussle with the island nation. Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com
The geography of both these destinations is very similar as both these places have low lying islands, reefs and pristine beaches. Lakshadweep and Maldives are separated by the Eight Degree Channel.
