Maldives Government suspends 3 minister for criticising Modi

Indian Government had taken objection

From left, Maryam Shiuna, Malsha and Hassan Jihan

Male (Maldives) – Maldives Government has suspended 3 minister Mariyum Shiuna, Hassan Zihan and Malsha for criticising Modi over his Lakshadweep visit and subsequent post on social media. Maldives party in opposition had also criticized these ministers for their daring. Indian Ambassador to Maldives had taken strong objection against the criticism. After this, the Maldives Government informed that these 3 ministers had been suspended. Their Government called this criticism as ministers’ personal opinion and stated that they do not represent Maldives Government.

Courtesy : ANI News

Maldives Government issued a statement saying the ‘Maldives Government knows about individuals who made derogatory remarks about the foreign leaders and eminent persons holding high posts. These were their personal opinions, and they didn’t represent the Maldives Government. The Government would not hesitate to take action against those making such insulting comments. The freedom of expression should be used based on democratic principles and with responsibility. Such freedom of expression should not spread hatred and negativity and care should be taken to see that it would not affect close relations between the Maldives and its international partners. Maldives believed in this principle.’

Our tourism infrastructure is better than India’s

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Lakshadweep. He uploaded his photos on the beaches and appealed to Indians to visit Lakshadweep, making it their tourist destination. This appeal was made indirectly to oppose visiting Maldives. Thousands of Indians go to the Maldives, promoting that country’s tourism. Maldives has reacted to PM Modi’s appeal. Maldives Minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid has said in a viral post on social media ‘My best wishes to Indian tourism for targeting Maldives tourism, but India will get an apt reply through our coastal tourism. Our basic amenities are far better than India’s basic amenities.’ This post has been tagged to PM Modi. In last year’s elections held in November, Mohamed Muizzu, a supporter of China, was elected as its President; since then, Maldives has started adopting anti- India policies.

Maldives’ lady minister calls PM Modi a clown

Mariam Shiuna on the left

Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives’ Minister for Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, referred to PM Modi, in her post, as a clown and a puppet in Israel’s hands. Maldives’ former President Mohamed Nasheed, who is a supporter of India, had reacted to the post by saying that Minister Mariyam Shiuna has used the wrong words. It can jeopardise the Maldives’ security and prosperity. The Government of President Mohamed Muizzu should keep away from such posts.

How can India keep its beaches as clean as Maldives ? – Maldives leader Zahid Rameez

Zahid Ramiz on the left

Zahid Rameez, a leader from the Maldives has also made a viral post, in which he has said that it was definitely a good step but India competing with us is a delusion. How can India offer services like us, keep the beaches clean; remove stink in the hotel rooms ? It will be a huge challenge for India, he said sarcastically.

Maldives surrenders after calls for a boycott

Zahid Rameez’s post triggered a deep fury amongst Indians and a trend started on social media as #BoycottMaldives. After this, several Indians cancelled their bookings for Maldives. Maldives surrendered out of fear.

Editorial Perspective

Maldives, a tiny country, with small islands, is glowering at us with Chinese support. This is beyond India’s tolerance limit. India needs to use every tool to counter such a daring.