Several organisations in Maldives have called for positive relations between Maldives and India, while calling the posts and comments by the suspended Maldivian deputy ministers as irresponsible. The pressure is rising on the Maldivian government as several Maldivian leaders have termed the entire episode as sad, while some have called for actions including initiating a No Confidence motion.
Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb in an interview with a news channel said that there is presence of extremist elements in the ruling party the PMC-PPM coalition. On the other hand, MDP MP Mickail Naseem called for the Parliament to summon foreign minister Moosa Zameer as well as the suspended officials for questioning.
Meanwhile, Maldives’ National Boating Association, Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, National Hotels and Guest House Association and others issued statements and releases, condemning the action of the suspended Maldivian Ministers. The groupings noted that India has been a close and a friendly neighbour, first responder during crises and one who has helped Maldives recover after the Covid Pandemic.
Emphasizing the need for accountability and swift action in response to the disrespectful comments made by senior officials against Indian PM Modi, Mickail Naseem, Member of Parliament from Maldives has called on the Parliament to summon the foreign minister for the inaction and lack of urgency shown by the Maldives government.
The Parliamentarian has also formally requested the parliamentary committee to summon the implicated officials for questioning.
“Have formally requested the Parliament to summon the Foreign Minister for questioning following the inaction & lack of urgency shown by GoM regarding derogatory remarks against PM Modi by its senior officials. Request also sent to summon said officials to parliamentary committee,” the MP of Galolhu Dhekunu posted on X.
A massive uproar erupted after a Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to PM Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep.
On January 2, PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and shared several pictures, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ of him trying his hand at snorkelling. In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared pictures of the white beaches, the pristine blue skies and the ocean and tagged them with a message that read, “For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.”
In a post that has now been deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi over his visit to the Indian island cluster. Her post even featured images of PM Modi from his visit to Lakshadweep.
On Sunday, former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih condemned the use of ‘hateful language’ against India by government officials on social media, saying New Delhi has always been a good friend to the island nation.
Taking to his official handle on social media platform X, Solih posted, “I condemn the use of hateful language against India by Maldivian government officials on social media.” (Inputs from AIR and ANI)