As a Maldivian born just two days after the fateful events of November 3, 1988, I've always carried a profound sense of connection to my nation's history, even though I didn't personally witness the coup attempt. The events that unfolded on that dark day have left an indelible mark on our collective memory, and as I reflect on this crucial chapter in our history, I'm reminded of the shadow of adversity that we, as a nation, had to overcome.
A Fateful Day: The Coup Attempt
The backdrop to the 1988 coup attempt was a series of previous efforts against the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, which were not considered serious threats. However, the third attempt in November 1988 sent shockwaves far beyond our islands. A group of around 80 armed PLOTE mercenaries, aboard a hijacked Sri Lankan freighter, landed in the capital city of Malé in the dark hours before dawn.
Disguised as ordinary visitors, these mercenaries swiftly infiltrated the heart of our capital, taking control of major government buildings, the airport, port, television and radio stations, and essentially, the lifeblood of our nation. Their audacious advance towards the Presidential Palace, where President Gayoom resided with his family, was a chilling realization of the peril we faced.
In the midst of this chaos, a twist of fate played a critical role. Maldivian National Security Advisor to the Defense Minister acted with remarkable courage, ensuring the safe passage of President Gayoom just moments before the mercenaries breached the Presidential Palace. The Defense Minister then guided the President to a hidden sanctuary. However, the mercenaries had already taken the Maldivian Education Minister as a hostage.
The Cry for Help: Seeking Aid in Desperation
As our nation teetered on the brink of disaster, President Gayoom's pleas for international assistance reverberated across the world. His initial appeals to neighboring nations, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, were met with disappointment as both cited a lack of military capabilities. Singapore was the next hope, but it too declined to intervene, echoing the same reasoning.
With the passage of time rapidly working against us, President Gayoom reached out to the United States. However, the response was grim: US forces would take 2–3 days to reach us from their nearest military base in Diego Garcia, a thousand kilometers away. A phone call to the United Kingdom provided a glimmer of hope, as they advised turning to India for assistance.
Operation Cactus: A Beacon of Light
The Indian intervention, known as "Operation Cactus," was the lifeline that would rescue our democracy and restore peace to our paradise. Rejaul Karim Laskar, a member of India's then-ruling political party, the Indian National Congress, emphasized the necessity of India's intervention. In the absence of Indian intervention, external powers might have been tempted to intervene or establish bases in the Maldives, threatening India's national interests.
The operation unfolded with unparalleled speed and precision. On the night of November 3, 1988, Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft from the Indian Air Force carried elements of the 50th Independent Parachute Brigade, the 6th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, and the 17th Parachute Field Regiment. They were flown non-stop over 2,000 kilometers from Agra Air Force Station to land at the Malé International Airport on Hulhule Island.
Indian paratroopers secured the airfield and crossed to Malé using commandeered boats. In a matter of hours, they rescued President Gayoom and restored control of the capital to his government, extinguishing the chaos that had gripped our nation. As some mercenaries tried to flee to Sri Lanka on a hijacked freighter, those who couldn't make it in time were apprehended and handed over to the Maldivian authorities. Tragically, the coup attempt resulted in the loss of nineteen lives, primarily mercenaries, and two hostages. The Indian Navy frigates Godavari and Betwa intercepted the freighter off the Sri Lankan coast, apprehending the mercenaries.
A Grateful Nation: The Echo of Appreciation
India's intervention received international praise, with US President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher commending India's swift and decisive action. Despite the applause, this intervention raised concerns among India's neighbors in South Asia. However, the operation's success was undeniable.
A New Dawn: The Aftermath and Reconciliation
In the aftermath of the 1988 coup attempt, India repatriated the captured mercenaries to the Maldives in July 1989. President Gayoom commuted their death sentences to life imprisonment under Indian pressure, paving the way for reconciliation.
The coup attempt was orchestrated by a once-prominent Maldivian businessman, Abdullah Luthufi, who had been operating a farm in Sri Lanka. Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Nasir faced accusations but vehemently denied any involvement. In a profound gesture of recognition for Nasir's role in securing Maldives' independence, President Gayoom officially pardoned him in absentia in July 1990.
Unity and Resilience: Our Inheritance
Born and raised in the Maldives, my connection to this chapter in our history is deeply personal, despite being born after the coup attempt. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments of our history, our nation's unity and resilience shine the brightest.
November 3, 1988, may be remembered as a day of infamy, but it also stands as a testament to our determination, dedication and commitment.
