'Boycott Maldives': Maldives swings into damage control, distance itself from minister's remarks

'Boycott Maldives': In the midst of the controversy and social media outrage, the Maldivian government sought to distance itself from Minister Mariyam Shiuna's derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, saying her views do not reflect those of the government.

The government also stated that 'appropriate action' will be taken against the minister, who is currently embroiled in a social media firestorm over her post mocking viral photographs from Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep.

PM Modi sought to draw global attention to the archipelago's untapped tourism potential by sharing photos from his visit to the virgin beaches of Lakshadweep.

The Maldivian government stated that it was aware of derogatory remarks directed at foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals on social media platforms. "These are personal opinions and do not represent the views of the Government of the Maldives," the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said in an official statement on Sunday.

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According to the government, 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 Maldives and its international partners".

"Moreover, the relevant authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks," the government release went on to say.

'Boycott Maldives'

Shiuna, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi during his visit to the Indian island cluster in a now-deleted post.

Her post even included photos of Prime Minister Modi from his visit to Lakshadweep.

In addition to photos from his visit to the Union Territory on January 2, PM Modi shared an 'exhilarating experience' of him snorkelling.

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