President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik urged “greater vigilance against rebellious forces” in his address (Dhivehi) at a special ceremony last night to commemorate ‘Victory Day’ on November 3, 1988 – when an armed coup attempt was thwarted by Indian military intervention.
Following the unveiling of a monument at the military headquarters, President Waheed stressed “the importance of fostering deep love in our hearts for the sovereignty of our nation, and failing to do so may cost us our most prized possession – national identity and independence,” according to the President’s Office.
In his speech, President Waheed noted that on all occasions where Maldives’ independence was threatened by external forces, “it was due to the disloyalty of a fellow citizen who was unfaithful and insensitive to his own land and its people.”
The President further noted the “heroic courage and gallantry shown by our defence forces”, which was deserving of “utmost praise and honour.”
