• By Abhirupa Kundu
  • Mon, 08 Apr 2024 01:27 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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A social media post by a Maldivian politician has triggered a fresh row between Maldives and India. Mariyam Shiuna, who was suspended earlier this year sparked a diplomatic row after her post on X appeared to disrespect the Indian national flag. Shiuna who later deleted the post, has now issued a clarification as well as an apology for the content and said, "Maldives deeply value its relationship and, the mutual respect we share with India."

Taking to social media, Shiuna said that she would want to address her earlier post which has drawn criticism. "I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post," she said.

"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," the politician said.

Shiuna added that she will be more vigilant in verifying the content she shares to prevent such oversights in the future.

The former minister claimed that her post was made to originally take a dig at the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Maldives will be holding general elections on April 21, while in India the Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 19.

The removed post, aimed at the opposition MDP's campaign poster, featured a substitution of the opposition party's emblem with what seems to resemble the Ashok Chakra. In the Indian flag, the Ashok Chakra, coloured navy blue, is placed in the middle of the white portion of the tricolour.

"The MDP is heading towards a big slip. The people of Maldives do not want to fall and slip with them," the now-deleted post had read.

Earlier, Shiuna's remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photo at the Lakshadweep islands drew widespread flak to the Maldives and its tourism, with Indians launching a boycott movement against the island nation.