India asks Maldives to probe false reports 'intimidating' Indians
The high commission said the India-Maldives relationship is based on mutual trust and respect.
The Indian Embassy in Maldives on Friday condemned and called on the Maldivian government to investigate the spread of false stories by “media persons” for the purpose of inciting hatred and insult against Indians living in Maldives.
The opposition has been waging a massive campaign called 'India Out', accusing the government of having secret agreements with India. With the presidential election, the campaign has become louder.
The Indian High Commission in Maldives issued a statement Friday evening condemning the spread of false reports against the country after some media reported that some Indians had launched a social media campaign in support of the ruling MDP candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
"It has come to our attention that known mischief mongers have undertaken a sustained campaign to circulate fake reports with the clear intention of harassment and intimidation of Indian High Commission Officials as well as the Indian expat community residing peacefully in Maldives," the statement read.
"These fake reports are designed to create a climate of hate and fear among the Maldivian public with the intention to adversely affect the friendly relations between India and the Maldives."
The high commission said the India-Maldives relationship is based on mutual trust and respect. According to the statement:
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India, under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, has accorded a special place to the Maldives and has extended all possible support to the friendly people of the Maldives
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Similarly, Indian professionals, workers & tourists who contribute to Maldives economy have received equal warmth and affection in the Maldives
"Such irresponsible acts by motivated “media persons” peddling agenda driven fake reports need to be condemned in the strongest terms. We also call upon the Maldivian authorities to investigate such instances of fake news circulation which are being brazenly carried out in the name of journalism," the statement read.
Meanwhile, China had early this month requested the Maldivian government to investigate what it called as "vicious attacks" involving "false" allegations concerning China's relationship with the Maldives especially amid the ongoing presidential election campaign.
