Maldivian Politician Mariyam Shiuna Apologizes After Derogatory Post On Indian Flag

The rift between India and Maldives is not coming to an end and seems to escalate with each passing day. Politicians after politicians from the People’s National Congress, headed by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, are posting disrespectful content on social media.

What follows is a regular feature where such posts are posted and then removed with an apology with the often repeated statement that it represents the personal views of the person and is not indicative of the Maldives Government’s position.

The latest instance was a post, since taken down, where Mariyam Shiuna, a Maldivian politician, disrespected the Indian National Flag.

Mariyam Shiuna, a Maldivian politician, had posted on social media a campaign poster from an opposition party, which depicted the Ashok Chakra commonly seen on the white central band of the Indian flag. After a huge outcry, Shiuna removed the post and subsequently issued an apology.

“The MDP is heading towards a big slip.

The people of Maldives don’t want to fall and slip with them,” the post read.

Mariyam Shiuna, Maldivian Politician, Issues Apology for Offensive Indian Flag Post

The Maldivian minister, Mariyam Shiuna, issued an apology in a tweet which read,

“I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post. It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the Maldivian opposition party MDP bore a resemblance to the Indian flag. I want to make it clear that this was entirely unintentional, and I sincerely regret any misunderstanding it may have caused. Maldives deeply value its relationship and the mutual respect we share with India. In the future, I will be more vigilant in verifying the content I share to prevent such oversights.”

Mariyam Shiuna is one of the three suspended deputy ministers who had tweeted a highly derogatory comment on the Indian Prime Minister in which she called Mr. Modi a clown and a puppet of Israel.

Relations between India and Maldives have worsened since the new Pro-Beijing Government headed by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has come to power. In the run-up to the election, Mohamed Muizzu had promoted an “India Out” campaign which wanted India to remove its military presence from the Island. President Mohamed Muizzu had given an ultimatum to India to remove its military presence from the nation.

China is also jostling for influence in the tiny Indian Ocean island nation, which India considers its backyard and views Chinese influence with suspicion. Despite the downward slide in the relations, India had heeded an urgent request by the Maldives government for key essential commodities like rice and medicine for the island nation.

Also Read: India approves export of essential goods to support Maldives despite strained relations