THE Maldivian Government on Sunday reportedly suspended three Deputy Ministers for derogatory social media posts against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a backlash with New Delhi strongly raising the matter with Male and the island nation’s top Opposition leaders slammed the ruling establishment over the row. The three Deputy Ministers criticised Modi for his post on ‘X’ following his visit to Lakshadweep, inferring that it was an attempt to project the Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. Several Maldivian media outlets, quoting officials, reported that Deputy Ministers in the youth ministry, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, have been suspended over their posts.

 

The row erupted on a day President Dr Mohamed Muizzu embarked on a week long visit to China. In New Delhi, official sources said the IndianHigh Commissionin Male strongly raised the matter with the Maldivian foreign ministry. “Our high commission in the Maldives had strongly raised and expressed concerns about the comments made in regard to the Prime Ministerbycertainministers in the Maldives Government with the foreign office today,” said a source. The disparaging remarks by the ministers have drawn flak in India, with many celebrities urging people on X to explore domestic tourist destinations instead of going to the Maldives. There were also posts on social media claiming that some Indians are cancelling their scheduled trip to the Maldives in view of the row. The Maldivian foreign ministry said the Government is aware of “derogatory remarks” on social media platforms against foreign leaders and that the personal views do not represent its position.

 

“Authorities in Maldives on Sunday suspended three Deputy Ministers who have come under fire for their postson‘X’ in whichtheyare seen verbally abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India,” the Atoll Times reported. Sources said the Indian mission in Male took objectiontothesocialmediaposts against the Prime Minister.

 

“The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatoryremarksonsocialmedia platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do notrepresent the views of the Government of Maldives,” the Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement. It said the Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldivesandits international partners. “Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” it said.