The mystic aspects of the
Maldivian History always amazed me. One
of the things that occurred to me is that somewhere along the history of
country we decided to ignore one of the most important days in the history of
Maldives. The very day that ensured the Maldives Republic will be known as
Maldives in 21st century
To understand the significance of
this version of story we should have an idea of the post second world war.
World situation (post
second world war)
The world was at bitter struggle
between communist and western led democratic movement which is commonly known
as “Cold war”. The war was fought through proxy states. The best way to understand how this war was
fought is by dissecting Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was the prolonged struggle
between nationalist forces attempting to unify the country of Vietnam under a
communist government and the United States (with the aid of the South
Vietnamese) attempting to prevent the spread of communism. Engaged in a war
that many viewed as having no way to win, U.S. leaders lost the American
public's support for the war.
Maldives Situation (post
second world war)
1959 declaration
of Suvadive Republic asked serious question about future of Maldives. Suvadive
was backed by America closet ally The Great Britain. All of sudden future of
the Nation which successfully defended its sovereignty against might of all
conquering Portuguese naval forces was is unclear. The events in the south
caught administration by surprise. The capital saw the Suvadive movement as rebellion.
They felt like their lively hood is snatched from them. Administration in the
capital expanded their arsenal with help of USSR. It is evident Suvadive leadership
actively sought help from western countries.
“We are in favour of the
staging post and radio station at Gan and Hitadu Islands respectively, which
must bring economic development and prosperity to our islands. We earnestly
appeal to your great and generous country for help and understanding. We have
been inhabiting these islands from time immemorial, possessing thereby
inalienable rights over them. The ownership thereof cannot certainly be claimed
by the Male Government. We therefore appeal to the British Government to kindly
grant us facilities to open negotiations at once with a view to conclude a
Treaty of friendship and co-operation between Her Majesty's Government and the
United Suvadive Islands.
We hope the
British Govenment and people will appreciate the justice of our cause and
recognize the United Suvadive Islands at once.”
President Abdullah
Afif Didi of the United Suvadive Islands to the Editor of the Times of London.
The letter was published on25 May 1959
With the
backing from USSR the security forces crushed rebel movement in 1962. Elders in
souther community still talk about the fateful day when Island of Thinadhoo was
conquered by forces from capital. The carnage against unarmed people of Thinadhoo
was horrific.
Modern day View
Sadly this day is ignored in Maldives. The day brings dark memories
that now one to associate with. Its viewed as taboo to talk about it. We
remember the day Thinadhoo was conquered for its horror.
My view
I was born and bred in Addu Atoll and my grandfather is from
Havaru Thinadhoo, for that day will always remind me of atrocities. But I do
not want people to remember that day for its darkness, I want people remember events
in Thinadhoo for other reasons too, which I believe are very significant.
1-
International Relations- It
was first major victory that modern Maldives enjoyed as a nation in the international
politics. Maldives was not officially part of cold war but there is no doubt cold
war heavily influenced the future of Island archipelago under one flag.
2-
The beginning of democratic
dream- When Suvadive declared independence they adopted the governing practices
of Great Britain, it was first taste of democracy for Maldivians. The idea of
democracy never left the minds of southerners. When the democratic reforms were
advocated in the early 2000’s, lot of people from the southern atoll backed the
idea.
I certainly do not advocate that
we should celebrate that event in 1962 but I also urge people not to forget
that the significance of the 1962, it is as important as the time Mohamed Takurufan lead movement defeated Portuguese
.
