GUWAHATI: Mariyam Shiuna, a Maldivian politician and one of three deputy ministers suspended earlier this year for social media posts targeting Indian political leadership, has offered her "sincerest apologies" for a recent post that allegedly disrespected the Indian Tricolour. The remarks had previously triggered a diplomatic row between the two countries.
Shiuna, who has since deleted the controversial post, clarified that her intention was not to disrespect India or its national flag. In a statement posted on X, she expressed regret for any confusion or offence caused by the content of her post, explaining that the image used bore an unintentional resemblance to the Indian flag. She assured that she would be more vigilant in verifying the content she shares in the future to prevent such oversights.
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The deleted post was reportedly intended to criticise the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ahead of the archipelago nation's parliamentary elections on April 21. Shiuna, a member of President Mohamed Muizzu's ruling People's National Congress (PNC), emphasised the importance of Maldives' relationship with India and the mutual respect shared between the two countries.
In the controversial post, the MDP's campaign poster was altered to replace the party's logo with an image resembling the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol on the Indian flag's white central band. The post's caption suggested that the MDP was heading towards a downfall.
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Shiuna's suspension, along with two colleagues – Abdulla Mahzoom Majid and Malsha Shareef – occurred in January under the Muizzu government, which is perceived as having an anti-India and pro-China stance. The ministers' comments were reportedly prompted by concerns over Indian leadership's efforts to promote Lakshadweep islands as a tourist destination competing with the Maldives.