In a diplomatic move, the Maldives government has suspended three deputy ministers, Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharyf, and Mahzoom Majid, for making derogatory remarks on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep Islands.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing the Government of India’s stand on the insulting posts. The suspension comes as a response to the irresponsible statements made by the ministers in their government positions.
Ibrahim Khaleel, the government spokesperson, stated, “All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their posts effective immediately.”
Prime Minister Modi, who recently visited Lakshadweep, faced criticism from the suspended ministers who used inappropriate language on social media. The Maldivian Foreign Ministry clarified that these opinions were personal and did not represent the views of the Maldivian government.
The Maldives, a crucial maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region, emphasizes the need for freedom of expression to be exercised responsibly, fostering positive relationships with international partners.
