00:00 A chorus of opposition leaders in the Maldives is urging President Mohammad Mizu and his
00:05 government to step down, alleging that their actions are jeopardising the diplomatic ties
00:10 between India and the Maldives.
00:12 The latest to join the call is Azim Ali, an elected Maldivian leader, who is demanding
00:18 the resignation of President Mizu and his ministers.
00:21 Ali accuses them of not only insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but also making racially
00:26 derogatory remarks targeting Indians.
00:29 In addition to calling for the government's resignation, Ali is urging the opposition
00:33 leaders to initiate a motion of no confidence as a means to oust the newly elected administration.
00:38 "We, the Democrats, are dedicated to upholding the stability of our nation's foreign policy
00:44 and preventing isolation of any neighbouring country.
00:47 Are you willing to take all necessary steps to remove President Mizu from power?
00:51 Is MDP Secretariat prepared to initiate a vote of no confidence?"
00:55 Azim Ali said in a post on X.
00:58 Former Deputy Speaker Eva Abdullah strongly criticised the opposite ministers, characterising
01:02 their comments as racist.
01:04 She emphasised the importance of the Maldivian government issuing a formal apology to the
01:07 Indian people, stating that the remarks were "shameful, racist and intolerable".
01:12 Abdullah underscored that the ministers' words do not reflect the opinions of the Maldivian
01:16 people, acknowledging the historical dependence on India and highlighting India's consistent
01:21 support during times of need.
01:23 Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Soli also expressed condemnation towards the government's
01:28 actions.
01:29 He criticised the use of hateful language against India by government officials on social
01:32 media, stressing that India has consistently been a valuable friend to the Maldives.
01:37 Soli urged against allowing such callous remarks to negatively impact the long-standing friendship
01:42 between the two countries.
01:44 "India has been our 911 call.
01:47 Whenever we need it, we give a call and you all come to our rescue.
01:50 That kind of a friend.
01:51 When you see such disparaging remarks about a friend like this, it is sad for everyone
01:55 concerned."
01:56 former Maldivian Defence Minister Maria Devi said.
02:00 Tensions escalated following derogatory comments by Maldivian leaders against Prime Minister
02:05 Modi and their mockery of his recent visit to Lakshadweep.
02:08 India promptly addressed the issue with the Maldivian government, prompting criticism
02:12 from top figures within the island.
02:14 In a since-deleted post, Mariam Shuna, the Maldivian deputy minister of youth empowerment,
02:18 made disrespectful references to PM Modi, sparking outrage in India.
02:23 Responding to the controversy, the Maldives government disassociated itself from the derogatory
02:27 remarks, emphasising that they did not reflect Mali's official stance.
02:31 In a significant move, three deputy ministers were suspended for their inappropriate social
02:34 media posts targeting PM Modi.
02:37 Ibrahim Khalil, spokesperson for the President of the Maldives, announced the immediate suspension
02:41 of all government officials responsible for the comments, underscoring the seriousness
02:45 with which the matter was being addressed.
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