On the occasion of Victory Day of the Republic of Maldives, I would like to thank Allah Almighty , the beneficent, most glorious and gracious, for bestowing such a victory on this nation. I would also like to offer my felicitations and best wishes to all Maldivian citizens on the joyous occasion of Victory Day.
The Victory Day was the most terrifying day in the recent history of Maldives. It was the day of the most perilous foreign attack on this beloved soil. The day that some traitors did the disgraceful act of trying to snatch our independence. It was also the day that several innocent Maldivian sons and courageous soldiers were martyred.
A glance at the Victory Day
On the wee hours of November 03rd 1988, few traitors had attacked Maldives after conspiring with the Tamil Tiger-group called “PLOT” from neighbouring Sri Lanka with the intention of a coup d’état. They had seized the peace and harmony of this nation and also captured and held hostage some cabinet ministers and senior-ranking officials of the military. Our military battled with the traitors courageously to defend this country without hesitation. During the clashes, 11 civilians and eight soldiers were martyred.
With the will and blessings from the Allah Almighty, and the courage and sacrifices of the soldiers as well as the unity of Maldivian civilians shown on that fateful day, Maldivians were alas victorious. Our beloved religion of Islam was protected. I would like to take this opportunity to express how proud I am that such courageous heroes were born of this nation and thank and pray Allah Almighty for it. I also pray that the Allah Almighty may bestow the blessings of heaven eternally on their souls.
Lessons to be learned from Victory Day
The attack of Victory Day and the attacks in the past from imperial powers such as the Portuguese, Malabar and such powers is a valuable lesson for all of us. Following the terrifying attack of Victory day, the security and defence measures of Maldives has been strengthened considerably than from the past.
It is the responsibility of every individual Maldivian to maintain the independence and sovereignty of our beloved nation. May Allah Almighty always preserve our independence and shield our nation and people from all dangers as well as maintain the unity and solidarity of all Maldivians! Ameen!
Ahmed Shihan
Commissioner of Prisons
