Former Maldivian minister Mariyam Shiuna apologizes for disrespecting Indian national flag

MALI: Suspended Maldivian minister Mariyam Shiuna apologized after she shared an image on social media that disrespected the Indian national flag, sparking protests. She later withdrew the post. The incident happened when the parliamentary elections in Maldives are round the corner.

Mariyam Shiuna shared a picture of the opposition party's campaign poster with a picture of Ashoka Chakra instead of the party logo. Shiuna is a member of the ruling party of Maldivian President Mohamed Muisu. Shiuna shared the picture while seeking votes for the party. 'The MDP (Maldives Opposition Party) is heading for a big fall. The picture was shared with the note, "The people of Maldives don't want to fall to the bottom with them."

The post was removed after a huge outcry and for strict action against Shiuna. ‘I sincerely apologize if the content of the post I shared caused confusion or distress. In response to MDP, it was brought to my attention that the picture I shared resembled the Indian flag. I want to make it clear that this was not intentional. I apologize for the confusion caused by my post' - Mariyam Shiuna wrote on social media. Shiuna added that Maldives deeply values its relationship with India and respects the country.

Three ministers including Mariyam Shiuna were suspended for making bad remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The official note clarified that Mariyam Shiuna's statement is only a personal opinion and is not a government policy. "What a clown, Israel's puppet Mr. Narendra Modi diving with a life jacket," Mariyam wrote on the X platform while sharing a video of Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. After the controversy, the post was removed by the former minister. Many Indians have canceled their trip to Maldives following the statements of them. Many people shared on social media with a copy of the canceled flight ticket that they are skipping the holiday from Maldives.