Indians ‘cancel’ trips, bookings as Maldives minister gets slammed for insulting PM Modi, posting ‘Hinduphobic’ tweets

Outraged Indians may be cancelling trips to the Maldives amid a growing diplomatic row. Reports and social media assertions indicate that many have scrapped holiday plans after a Maldives minister levelled 'Hinduphobic' remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The hashtag 'BoycottMaldives' has also gained momentum to become a top social media trend in India. 

“I had planned a vacation to Maldives in February, I’m going to cancel the same and visit a place domestically. Will not let my money go to someone who hates my country,” asserted one Twitter user.

“I went to Maldives few months back and with the things going around . I wish I hadn’t gone…I gifted my Niece her honeymoon package and I have now asked my agent to cancel. Yes am losing 50k in process but it’s worth it,” claimed another.

Mariyam Shiuna allegedly made insulting remarks against PM Modi on Twitter after his Lakshadweep images had been shared. The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, referred to the Indian prime minister as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’.

Also Read: 'How can they be so clean?': Maldives politician after PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep

Screenshots of the tweet are getting circulated on social media. LiveMint, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the tweet, reportedly deleted at this moment. Neither could LiveMint verify the cancellation of hotel bookings and flight tickets.

Minister gets slammed by fellow Maldivians

Several Maldivian citizens criticised Shiuna for her comments. “What a shame you are bringing to this nation by stooping so low to even reply to these posts in such a childish way. You are MINISTERS of our government. ACT LIKE IT!! Your actions will affect others, not you. You will leave the ordinary Maldivians to suffer the consequences. If you cared about them at all, you would not have acted so disgracefully,” came from one.

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“I don't understand PM Modi did not even mention Maldives in his tweet then why is this bad mouth by Maldives ministers and their supporters? Why behaving like Pakistani ministers? Very unfortunate and disappointing. It will cause a very bad results! (sic)” came from another.

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has slammed Mariyam Shiuna’s “appalling language” against PM Modi.

Also Read: Maldives President asks India to respect democratic will, withdraw military

"What appalling language by Maldives Government official Mariyam Shiuna towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. Dr Mohamed Muizzu government must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy," Nasheed tweeted.

Maldives’ economy is heavily dependent on tourism while Indians contribute a significant percentage of it every year.

An earlier version of the story had a different summary for the story, which has since been changed. We regret not calling this out clearly for our users.