7 January 2024
The Maldives government on Sunday suspended three deputy ministers namely Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharif and Mahzoom Maajid after they took to social media to make derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reports Atoll Times. Taking a principled stand on the issue, the government said it “will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks”.
In a statement, the government said: “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.”
Earlier, Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna had made disparaging comments against Modi on social media platform X, which drew condemnation from former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed.
Shiuna’s now deleted post featured photos of Modi from his recent visit to Lakshadweep. “What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr. Narendra diver with life jacket. #VisitMaldives #SunnySideOfLife,” the post said. She also compared India to cow dung.
Another deputy minister, a colleague of Shiuna, Malsha Sharif, made similar derogatory comments against India and the tourism campaign in the Maldives.
These posts, along with others by prominent politicians and leaders, instigated other users into posting a wide range of racist remarks against Indians and Indian tourists who travel to the Maldives.
In a post on X, Nasheed, who was seen to be more India-friendly than the current administration, said, “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.”
Modi’s visit to Maldives and his social media posts documenting it have led to a social media battle among Maldivian politicians, government officials and Indian social media users. Others posted about the various ways in which India has offered assistance to the Maldives over the years and some of the more well-known aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, in response to the mockery by Maldivian social media users.
Following the derogatory remarks by Maldivians, Indian social media users used the hashtag “Boycott Maldives” and vowed to refrain from travelling to Maldives for their vacations.
