Amidst fiery Maldives vs Lakshadweep war on social media, the Maldives government on Sunday issued an official statement saying the views expressed by certain ministers do not represent the government’s view. It added the government will not hesitate to take action against such “derogatory remarks”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep triggered a social media war on Maldives vs Lakshadweep, with even a few Maldivian ministers making derogatory remarks against India and the prime minister. The prime minister had visited Lakshadweep on January 2 and inaugurated, laid foundation stone for development works worth over Rs 1,150 crore. Modi also utilised the visit to promote Lakshadweep tourism and tried to satiate his adventurous spirits by trying snorkelling during his short stay. Modi’s tweets, urging netizens to visit Lakshadweep unsettled a few Maldivian politicians.
"The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives,” the government said in an official statement.
“The government believes that the 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”, it said. The statement stressed, “Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks."