Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) held a special congregational prayer Thursday morning as part of the activities to mark Victory Day.
The day is marked in remembrance those martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s sovereignty, independence and religion.
It has been 28 years since the Maldives averted one of the major attacks on its independence and sovereignty. The memories of that dreadful day are still fresh in the minds of those who witnessed it. Residents of Male’ woke up to the sounds of gun fire and explosions. The nation was gripped by fear and uncertainty. The country won the battle against the attackers, but sadly lost brave and young soldiers who fought till the end to protect the nation’s sovereignty, independence and religion. Gone but never forgotten, the day is dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives, giving us the freedom that we enjoy today. They honored their oath to protect and serve till the end.
19 Maldivians lost their lives in the attack on November 3, 1988, which was led by a group of Maldivians and carried out by armed mercenaries of a Tamil secessionist organisation from Sri Lanka, the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE). The mercenaries quickly gained control of the capital, including the major government buildings, airport, port and television and radio stations. The Maldives requested for military intervention from India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi immediately dispatched 1,600 troops by air to restore order in Malé. The coup d'état failed due to the intervention of the Indian Army, whose military operations efforts were code-named Operation Cactus by the Indian Armed Forces. With the exception of Abdulla Luthfy, those who were convicted of the attack, have since served their sentences. Luthfy, is on the run after fleeing in 2012, when he was taken abroad for medical treatment.
Annually, the country marks Victory Day with special activities in remembrance of those sacrificed their lives for the country. MNDF conducted various activities Thursday which started with a special congregational prayer at the Islamic Centre in Male’, attended by large number of servicemen and members of the public. After the prayer, the Imam delivered a sermon on the importance of working together to protect the country’s sovereignty and religion. This was followed by a special supplication asking the Almighty Allah to protect the country and its people from similar attacks.
Flag hoisting and guard mounting ceremonies were also held near the Victory Day Monument.
MNDF then displayed the gun used by Martyr Corporal Hussain Adam who died defending the army barracks during the attack.