Maldives govt clarifies after minister Shiuna's ‘derogatory’ remarks on PM Modi: ‘Will not hesitate to take action’
Shiuna's remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lakshwadeep visit. The Maldives government which saw a sudden surge in cancellations in tourists from India, said that they would not hesitate to take action against those who make 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." the statement read. Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna made derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi on social media platform X. The post by Shiuna -- which has now been deleted -- featured the pictures of PM Modi from his recent visit to Lakshadweep.
The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, referred to the Indian prime minister as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’. Reactions from the island nation's political leaders emerged after PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, which Indian media touted as an alternative for Indian's visiting Maldives. Further, Zahid Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives Senate, mocked the beaches of Lakshadweep Island and questioned whether India's Union Territory can match the services provided by Maldives.
Rameez wrote on X, “The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall." Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed condemned the derogatory remarks made by the Maldives
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