The government has strongly condemned the "disrespectful act" by the opposition using face masks depicting India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the demonstrations held Thursday.
In a statement issued on Friday, the government denounced "the attempts to spread false information" using the slogans of the 'India Out' campaign being carried out by the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC).
"Such dishonorable 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 statement read.
The statement added that the government appreciates India’s 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and reiterated its commitment to the 'India First' policy to "cement the close ties it shares with India."
Opposition supporters wore white clothing and donned face masks depicting Modi and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during Thursday's demonstration in the capital Male' city.
