A Maldives minister, who faced suspension earlier this year for derogatory remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has found herself amidst controversy once again. Reports from Maldivian local media on Monday reveal that the former deputy youth minister, Mariyam Shiuna, has made mocking references to the Indian flag in an altered campaign poster of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The Incident and Apology
Mariyam Shiuna took to social media platform X to express her apology regarding the contentious content. She addressed the issue, acknowledging the attention and criticism drawn by her recent post. In her statement, she expressed her sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of her post.
The minister clarified that the resemblance of the image used in her response to the Maldivian opposition party MDP to the Indian flag was entirely unintentional. She emphasized her regret for any misunderstanding caused by the oversight and assured that she would exercise greater vigilance in verifying content to prevent such incidents in the future.
Importance of Bilateral Relations
Mariyam Shiuna also highlighted the significance of the relationship between Maldives and India, expressing deep appreciation for the mutual respect shared between the two nations. Her acknowledgment of the value placed on the bilateral ties aimed to reassure stakeholders and mitigate any concerns regarding the incident.
Political Implications
The timing of Mariyam Shiuna’s post coincides with the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Maldives scheduled for April 21. The incident has sparked significant debate and speculation within political circles, both domestically and internationally. However, there has been no official response from the Indian government regarding the matter as of now.
Social Media Backlash
Following the revelation of the controversial post, Mariyam Shiuna faced swift and severe criticism on various social media platforms. The nature of her post, coupled with her prior suspension for derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi, intensified public scrutiny and condemnation.
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Response and Actions Taken
In response to the backlash, Mariyam Shiuna promptly deleted the offending post from her social media account and removed any references to her position as “Deputy Minister” from her bio. These actions were aimed at mitigating further damage to her reputation and addressing the concerns raised by the public and relevant stakeholders.
Continued Suspension
It’s worth noting that Mariyam Shiuna, along with two other deputy ministers of the Maldives government, has been under suspension since January. The reasons for their suspension were attributed to derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Modi, indicating a pattern of behavior that has led to repeated controversies.
In conclusion, Mariyam Shiuna’s recent apology regarding the mocking references to the Indian flag underscores the importance of diplomatic sensitivity and political decorum in international relations. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for public figures to exercise caution and mindfulness in their public statements and actions, especially in the age of social media where scrutiny is relentless and unforgiving.