1. AICWA urges filmmakers to avoid shooting movies in the Maldives amid anti-India remarks controversy.
2. President Suresh Shyamlal calls on the film industry to refrain from vacationing in the Maldives.
3. Emphasis on promoting Indian islands as an alternative destination.
Malé, Jan 15: Amid the ongoing controversy over anti-India remarks by Maldivian ministers and the subsequent call for a boycott, the All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has appealed to Indian filmmakers to refrain from shooting movies in the Maldives.
In a video message, AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal urged the film industry not to visit the Maldives for vacations and instead promote Indian islands.
This appeal comes as the Maldives government asked India to withdraw its military personnel from the islands by March 15.
“The Maldives government has asked the Indian government to withdraw the Indian Army from their islands by March 15. Some days ago, some Maldives ministers used wrong words against our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After this, a trend of boycotting Maldives was started in India. As the president of the All India Cine Workers Association, I appeal to the Indian film industry to not shoot movies in the Maldives, and no one should go to Maldives for their holidays,” said Shyamlal in the video.
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He further urged against posting anything related to the Maldives on social media platforms and suggested promoting Indian islands instead.
The AICWA president emphasized standing against those who go against the country, expressing solidarity with the sentiment of not tolerating actions contrary to India’s interests.
The controversy arose when Maldivian ministers, including the deputy minister, made racist remarks targeting India and mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote Lakshadweep as a tourist destination.
This led to a widespread call for boycotting the Maldives, with people, including celebrities, expressing their support on social media.
In response, the Maldivian government distanced itself from the derogatory remarks, suspended three ministers, and issued a statement condemning the comments.
However, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu requested India to withdraw all Indian military personnel from the archipelago by March 15.
This development occurred amid discussions between senior officials of both countries to address the ongoing issue.
Currently, there are approximately 70 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, along with a maritime patrol aircraft and two helicopters.
