News Desk
MALÉ, Maldives — President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday presented a special commemorative shield to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, honoring his leadership during the attempted coup of Nov. 3, 1988. The ceremony, held at the Social Centre in Malé to mark Victory Day, also recognized the families of the 19 Maldivians who lost their lives in defense of the nation.
Mr. Gayoom, who holds the Grand Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghaazee, was honored for his role in preserving national sovereignty during the armed assault. Commemorative shields were also presented to the families of eight soldiers and eleven civilians who were killed in the fighting.
The martyrs included Sergeant Kuda Adam Kuda Thu’thu, Lieutenant Kudanevi Thu’thu Maniku, Corporal Hussain Mohamed, Corporal Mohamed Ibrahim, Sergeant Adam Naseer, Corporal Abdulla Zuhair, Corporal Mohamed Hassan, Corporal Hussain Adam, Ismail Haleem, Ibrahim Hameez, Umar Ahmed, Ahmed Labeeb, Ibrahim Hussain, Abdul Sattar Adam, Abdul Rahman Adam, Ahmed Rasheed, Hassan Zareer, Jawadh Umar and Hussain Abdul Rahman, known as Dhonmanik.
Special video tributes were screened in honor of Corporal Hussain Adam, remembered for his courage at the onset of the attack, and Corporal Abdulla, the first to be killed. Additional tributes were dedicated to other soldiers who died while carrying out their duties.
The government has also moved to provide lasting recognition for those who served. On March 19, a special allowance was introduced for the families of soldiers martyred in the 1988 attack, as well as for recipients of the Medal for Exceptional Bravery and the Medal for Bravery.
President Muizzu, who also serves as commander-in-chief of the Maldives National Defence Force, attended the ceremony with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. They were received by Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and senior government officials were also present.
