Three ministers were suspended by the Maldivian government on Sunday following a controversy that erupted with social media posts against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India. Many people cancelled their holiday trips to hundreds of islands in the country.
In its statement the Maldivian government said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today issued a statement on the stand of the Government of India in relation to some posts on social media that are insulting to neighboring India,” the Maldives government said in a statement.
“Those who made such posts on social media while in government positions have now been suspended from their jobs,” the government said.
The three ministers suspended were Malsha Shareef, Maryam Shiuna and Mahsoom Majid.
This all started after Prime Minister Modi posted photos and videos from his recent visit to Lakshadweep and these ministers along with some other leaders posted derogatory remarks again PM Modi on their social media accounts.
Earlier in the day, the Maldivian government also distanced itself from the derogatory remarks terming them “personal and do not represent the views of the government” and also criticized the “appalling language” that the leaders used.
The government further said that the freedom of speech and expression should be closely monitored in a democratic and responsible manner and also in a way that do not spread negativity and hatred and aldo do not spoil relationships between the Maldives and all the international partners.
