Home Minister Umar Naseer has said that martyrs who had sacrificed themselves had done so without thinking about personal gain.
Speaking in the ceremony held in Addu city to mark the Martyr’s day, Minister Umar said that many had put their lives at risk for the safety of the nation and citizens.
“We know the stories of a few people. Many stories are lost in history; many stood up against the Malabars and the Portuguese but their stories remain unheard,”
Minister Umar said those who had died in the terror attacks of November 3, 1988 was also a remarkable feat. He noted that the valor and courage displayed by those soldiers against armed vehicles and heavy arms was remarkable, resulting in the martyrdom of three service men that day. But those who had survived the day had returned to their positions after their duty had been carried out.
Minister Umar said there were issues of salaries in the War of Independence the US waged against England, but said it was not observed in the Maldives.
“Our heroes had entered the battlefield without any regard for personal or worldly gain, but for Islam and the nation,”
Minister Umar also reflected on the work carried out by King Ali in defending the nation.
“Had he died on the battlefield, it would have been an overwhelming honor. He would have died a martyr, defending the nation’s independence and integrity,”
He urged all to seek lessons from their fight and to remain steadfast in defending the nation and Islam.