Govt condemns opposition for 'provoking hatred' with India Out slogan on Eid

Government on Friday strongly condemned what it called the disrespectful act by the opposition using face masks depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the demonstrations held on Thursday as part of the Eid al-Adha celebrations, and denounced what it described as attempts to spread false information through various platforms using 'India Out' slogan.

On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, main opposition PPM-PNC staged a protest in the Artificial Beach area on Thursday with face masks depicting Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Modi. 

In a statement, the Maldivian foreign ministry said the "dishonourable acts" by the opposition regarding one of Maldives' key bilateral partners and its leadership during Eid al-Adha festivities, a time of peace joy and harmony, does not only provoke hatred, but also promote hostility with the objective of tarnishing the country’s long-standing cordial ties with India.

The ministry said the strong bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India is based on shared historical and cultural ties, matched by dynamic people to people contact. India has always been the Maldives’ closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts, it added.

"The long-standing ties between both countries has been elevated to new heights during the past five years, with the strong commitment of the leadership of both countries. The government appreciates India’s 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and Maldives reiterates to uphold its 'India First' policy and remains committed to cementing the close ties it shares with India," the statement read.

"The government of Maldives urges all parties to act responsibly and refrain from such disrespectful acts and spreading false information that undermines the country’s relations with its neighbours and the international community."

The opposition initiated the India Out movement under the direction of jailed former president Abdulla Yameen against what they say are secretive deals between the Maldives and India, and the stationing of Indian troops in the Maldives under various disguises.

The government has denied the claims. 

President Solih has issued a presidential decree, ordering the authorities to stop the India Out movement.