President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to launch a program “Shaheedhunge Hiyaa”, a housing scheme for the families of the martyrs of November 3rd. He made the statement in his address to the nation at the official function held to mark the Maldivian Victory Day.
Victory Day marks the defeat of an attempted coup against then-president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom in 1988. Armed with Sri Lankan mercenaries, a group of rogue Maldivians led the attacks which killed 19 Maldivians.
In his address, the President noted that in the past forty years, 29 military personnel, two Police service personnel, and 11 civilians had passed away under various circumstances, while in the line of duty. However, he regrettably noted that their service had gone unrecognized, and, as such, he said it was a disgrace to their memory.
As such, the President announced that the families of the martyrs of November 3, 1988, the five individuals who received the Medal for Exceptional Bravery on the day, and the 10 individuals who received the Medal for Bravery, will receive a special allowance from the state. He added that this allowance will be disbursed under certain regulations set in the gazette and granted for their lifetime.
President Dr. Muizzu said that while the state recognized the Martyrs’ valor and sacrifice, nothing can compensate for the loss the families of the Martyrs continue to experience.