MNDF celebrates Maldives Victory Day

The Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) has today carried out a number of events to mark the Victory Day of the Maldives, which celebrates the country’s successful repulsion of an invasion by a group of mercenaries led by local rebels in 1988.

On the 3rd of November 1988, a handful of local rebels together with nearly a hundred Tamil mercenaries from neighboring Sri Lanka landed in Male, the capital of the country, attacked the Headquarters of the then National Security Services, and held Male and the rest of the country in absolute terror for more than 24 hours. The attack killed 19 Maldivians including a number of men in the Maldivian armed forces, before it was frustrated and repulsed. The attack has been considered the most serious assault on the nation's sovereignty and security in modern times.

MNDF today conducted a special Force March today, after dawn prayers and a special supplication. After the March, a special function was held at MNDF Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi. The function was attended by Major General Moosa Ali Jaleel and other senior Officers of MNDF, and Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdul Majeed Abdul Baari also attended, as Chief Guest.

Speaking in the function, Dr. Majeed said that each time the Maldives lost her independence in her history, it was due to the actions of some people who betrayed the religion, and called upon all to reflect upon the implications of this historical fact.

Minister of Islamic Affairs advised the members of MNDF to be mindful of the fact that they hold prime responsibilities for the protection and sustenance of the country’s sovereignty and autonomy, and that the latter cannot be separated from the Islamic identity of the nation.

The Minister also said that the efforts of the MNDF in defence of the nation would be accepted by God as a jihad for His sake. He also said that jihad did not necessarily and always mean rightful and just war against enemies, but it also included the vigilant and wakeful watch over the people to fend off all dangers that may harm the people.

“Anything done with a noble intention is a form of worship in Islam”, said the Minister, urging the members of the Defence Forces to serve and protect the people with good intentions.