Depopulation of Havaru Thinadhoo

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Thenadu or Thinadhoo is the capital of Huvadhu atoll located in the southern Maldives. It has its own dialect, Dhivehi, which is considerably different from northern speech.

Huvadu Atoll, Maldives
Huvadu Atoll, Maldives

It is pronounced as Thenadu in the Southern Maldives dialect. The island was historically known as Havaru Thinadhoo and it was the traditional seat of the Atoll Chief.

The Depopulation of Havaru Thinadhoo took place in 1962, following the formation of the United Suvadive Republic.

Thinadhoo was the wealthiest island in the country until it was forcefully depopulated and destroyed.[1] Havaru Thinadhoo operated 9 long haul ships, Gadhdhoo 2 ships, Nilandhoo 3 ships and Dhaandhoo 2 ships with a total of 16 ships in Huvadhu.[2] Thinadhoo was famous throughout the Indian Ocean for their frequent trips.[3] The accumulation of wealth outside the monopoly of the Sultan enabled the southern atolls of Maldives to form an embryo of thalassocracy.[3]

Havaru Thinadhoo in 2006
Havaru Thinadhoo in 2006
Extinct Odi ( Ship ) of Huvadu design type from the Southern Atolls.
Long distance 100 to 200 dead-weight tonnage Odi ( Ship ) of Huvadu design type from the Southern Atolls.[4] The Odis were built in the Southern Atolls and operational until 1960s. Havaru Thinadhoo had 40 Odis before they were discontinued and were famous throughout the Indian Ocean.[5] Fully decked with deck-houses and large overhanging forecastle. Three-mast arrangement at the rig. A large main square-sail set atop a tall mainmast. Fore-and-aft gaff-sail set from the mizzen. Raking foremast carrying a square foresail well out over the bows.[4]
1753 Van Keulen Dutch map of Huvadu atoll
1753 Van Keulen Dutch map of Huvadu atoll. Havaru Thinadhoo is stated as "Tyne Dew" which is more accurate pronunciation of the island in Huvadhoo dialect. Thinadhoo is how it is pronounced in Male' dialect.

First rebellion[]

In July 1959 Ibrahim Nasir traveled in a gunboat with army personnel to Thinadhoo[6] and attacked the residents, arresting the alleged leaders of United Suvadive Republic present at the time.

Great Britain expressed their disapproval to the Maldivian government because of the violent attack against inhabitants of Huvadu on 7 August 1959.[7]

Partitioning of Huvadu Atoll[]

Huvadhoo Atoll partitioned into two administrative regions, Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu

Huvadu Atoll was partitioned to two administrative regions after the first rebellion. It was called Huvadu East and West and later renamed to Huvadu South and North.[6] The partitions are currently known as Gaafu Alif Atoll and Gaaf Dhaal Atoll.

Second rebellion[]

All images and videos made public on Thinadhoo with the event of Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir of Maldives are related to the first rebellion. There has been to this day no media made public related to the second rebellion. It is alleged that footage as well as photos were taken and were in the hands of Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir.[8]

The second rebellion occurred due to the many laws passed from Maldives which affected the merchants of Havaru Thinadhoo. This included higher duties and new system of payments for sold goods which went through Maldives government with long delays in receiving payments to merchants in Havaru Thinadhoo. The new system hindered the booming economy of Havaru Thinadhoo.[9]

Another reason for the second rebellion was due to ill-behavior from the soldiers stationed in Havaru Thinadhoo.[9]

Further requests to improve the situation of Havaru Thinadhoo was sent to the Maldives government which had not received any reply.[9] A staff at the peoples majlis (parliament) of Maldives named Karankaa Rasheed had said that such a letter was never received and the task to quell the rebellion was kept as a state secret.[9]

Electing the leader of United Suvadive for Thinadhoo[]

Two of the people who were working to improve the situation for Thinadhoo were Olha Didi ge Hassan Didi and Muhammadh Hameed. They were in Addu when they heard news about their planned arrest by the Maldive government.[9]

A discussion took place with Thinadhoo people who were present in Addu and a voting was held with 190 participants. It was to elect the leader for Huvadhoo to represent United Suvadive Republic and to re-establish it. With 140 votes Olha Didi ge Hassan Didi was elected to become the leader of Huvadu atoll representing the United Suvadive Republic.[9] Olha Didi ge Hassan Didi was 19 years at the time.

Another discussion was held with those of Thinadhoo people in Addu and according to it on the night of 5 June 1961 supporters of United Suvadive entered Thinadhoo from the side of Baraasil and arrested the Maldives soldiers and others who represented them and took them captive to Addu.[9]

A further meeting was held with president of United Suvadive Republic in Addu, Afeef Didi, who encouraged the re-establishment of United Suvadives in Huvadhoo Atoll.[9]

Turmoil in the south[]

With the re-establishment of United Suvadive Republic in Thinadhoo the second rebellion took place. It passed a new law which allowed to imprison, seize all wealth and destroy homes of anyone who openly opposed the United Suvadive. Huvadhoo atoll including residents of Thinadhoo were divided in their support for United Suvadive Republic but were reluctant to show their opposition due to the law. Before Silvercrest arrived there was internal turmoil within Thinadhoo. The island of Gaddhoo was said to have been looted, properties damaged and its residents assaulted by supporters of United Suvadive due to their opposition according to the residents of the island.[10]

Arrival of Silvercrest[]

The boat called "Silvercrest" commanded by Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir arrived Havaru Thinadhoo on the 30th January 1962 between 2:30pm to 3pm.[11] It carried soldiers with 10 sub-machine guns and 5 rifles.[11]

Thinadhoo had prepared for the arrival of Silvercrest by building a bullet-proof wall called “Fasbadi” which was 400 feet long, 4 feet high and 3 feet wide. It was built with sand and went around the front jetty.[12] Upon seeing Silvercrest approach the island, Olha Didi ge Hassan Didi told the bystanders to get behind the Fasbadi as Silvercrest would shoot towards the island once near.[13] Muhammadh Hameed who was the other senior person of United Suvadive for Thinadhoo was not present in the island at the time.[13]

Capturing of dhoani for assault[]

Before nearing Thinadhoo, Silvercrest first chased a dhoani (vessel) with men and women who were returning to Thinadhoo after doing work at the nearby island of Kaadeddhoo. The purpose to capture a Dhoani was likely to use it as a vessel to enter Thinadhoo. After unsuccessful in chasing the dhoani it then headed to pursue four other dhoanis that were returning to Thinadhoo. After realizing failure to capture any of those Silvercrest then fired shots at them as warning which went unheeded. One of the crews of the dhoanis went into shock after hearing the gunfire and had died in Thinadhoo.[14] Many residents had gone to shock, vomited and later died by hearing gunfire and seeing the burning of the boats and buildings when Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir sent his forces to the island.[8]

After failure to capture the four dhoanis, Silvercrest then approached a dhoani which was coming from the south of Kaadeddhoo and managed to capture it. It then brought the dhoani along with Silvercrest near Thinadhoo.[14]

Shooting at Havaru Thinadhoo[]

Silvercrest then used loudspeakers to warn the residents of Thinadhoo to surrender and to hoist the Maldives flag instead of the United Suvadive Republic flag after it neared the island. Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir announced that if those conditions were met then everyone would be pardoned. After the announcement they fired gunshots towards Thinadhoo. Residents watched as leaves and branches of breadfruit trees near the Vaaruge (Tax house) broke into pieces and birds flew off from the noise.[15]

One person was killed while several others injured from the shooting.[9][8] Many had died due to shock from seeing the violence and through the depopulation that followed next day.[8]

Sending of captive to demand surrender[]

After the strong warning one of the captives from the earlier apprehended Dhoani by Silvercrest, Zakariya Moosa was sent to Thinadhoo to give another warning. He was to swim to the island with the support of a wooden board that had been shot in several places. While he swam off to Thinadhoo, Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir observed the situation from Silvercrest using binoculars.[15]

After Zakariya Moosa swam to the island he announced as ordered by Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir, to surrender and hoist the Maldive flag. Surrendering could be done by residents on behalf of Thinadhoo by coming to Silvercrest or by any seniors of United Suvadive. If this was done then no one would be harmed and everyone pardoned. Zakariya Moosa then showed to the resident the wooden board with gun-shots. While Zakariya Moosa was still giving the warning he was forcefully taken by supporters of United Suvadive and locked in the food warehouse in Thinadhoo.[15]

Silvercrest anchoring for the night[]

Until sunset that day Silvercrest shot at Thinadhoo while giving the warning using loudspeaker. After sunset supporters of United Suvadive took measures to prevent anyone from announcing surrender by going out to Silvercrest and soldiers from Silvercrest to enter the island. United Suvadive supporters in Thinadhoo scattered across the island to secure it.[16] Before dark Silvercrest then sailed off to the nearby island of Maakiri Gala and anchored through the night.[16]

Messengers with word of surrender[]

After dawn that day in Thinadhoo, Abdul Wahhab of Bansaarige who was the secretary of the Atoll office and Mohamed Hussain of Maabadeyrige who was a policeman of the Thinadhoo met with Huvaru Thinadhoo Moosa Fathuhi. Moosa Fathuhi was at the time in house-arrest. Both Wahhab and Hussain met Moosa Fathuhy to discuss the surrender. Mohamed Hussain had held discussion of surrender among other seniors of Thinadhoo too but could not find anyone willing to go to Silvercrest as they were afraid of harm upon them and their properties by the new law if they were to get caught by United Suvadive supports.[17] Later that night both Abdul Wahhab and Mohamed Hussain slipped off in secret to the United Suvadive supporters of Thinadhoo in a Bokkura (small vessel) heading to Silvercrest to announce surrender on behalf of the residents of island as ordered by Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir.[17]

As Abdul Wahhab and Mohamed Hussain approached Silvercrest it lit up with soldiers ready to fire. On seeing the two it boarded them to Silvercrest where Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir questioned them. After they answered his questions they were not told whether a pardon was given to the Thinadhoo residents.[17]

After supporters of United Suvadive in Thinadhoo found out about Abdul Wahhab and Mohamed Hussain meeting on Silvercrest they went near their residences in Thinadhoo with hostility. Neither Wahhab or Hussain owned any properties in Thinadhoo under their name and why they both likely volunteered to go.[17]

Sunrise and preparation for attack[]

After sunrise all of the remaining captives of the Dhoani which apprehended earlier by Silvercrest were sent to Thinadhoo in the Bokkura brought by Wahhab and Hussain. After this soldiers along with Ibrahim Nasirs assistants boarded the Dhoani which was in their control. Ibrahim Nasir also ordered both Wahhab and Hussain to board the Dhoani with the soldiers and his assistants.[17]

Torching of Arumaadhu Odis (large ships)[]

The Dhoani with the soldiers and others then sailed off towards Havaru Thinadhoo. As it got closer it torched the Odi (large ship) called “Fathuhul Mubarak” owned by Havaru Thinadhoo Naib Ismail Didi which was anchored outside of it. The burning of the Odi was witnessed by the residents who were near the jetty area in Thinadhoo.[12]

After this all of the large ships (Arumaadhu Odi) anchored in the outskirts of Thinadhoo were burnt. This includes burning of Odi “Barakathul Rahman” owned by Mudim Hussain Thakurufaan, Odi “Fathuhul Majeed” owned by Muhammad Kaleyfaan, Naalu Bethelli (type of large ship) called “Ganima” owned by Abubakuru Katheeb Kaleyfaan and Naalu Baththeli owned by Addu Hithadhoo Finifenmaage Abdullah Afeef.[12]

Attacking from ashore[]

The Dhoani with the soldiers proceeded nearer to Thinadhoo where both Abdul Wahhab and Mohamed Hussain were made to go in the shallow area and pull the Dhoani towards the island using a rope. The soldiers then used the loudspeaker to demand surrender and raise the Maldive flag instead of the Suvadive flag. If this was done then everyone were to be pardoned. After the announcement sub-machine guns were fired into the air. All of the orders were carried out according to Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir.[12]

The Dhoani approached the area with Fasbadi where people from the outer wall in Havaru Thinadhoo threw stones at them. The soldiers proceeded to shoot and demand to hoist the Maldives flag.[12]

The flag of United Suvadive Republic was raised at the end of a 40 feet long flag pole in the jetty area of Havaru Thinadhoo. It was further restrained using a rope to make it difficult to take off by anyone after Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir demanded the surrender.[12]

Attempt to untie the Suvadive flag[]

Abdul Wahhab who went ashore tried several times to untie the flag by climbing the pole. Each time the supporters of United Suvadive threw rocks at him preventing him to accomplish the task. The soldiers in the Dhoani continued to shoot at Thinadhoo.[12]

The Dhoani with soldiers then approached the other side of Fasbadi wall which prevented any protection from it to those who were hailing rocks at them. Without protection from the wall they ran to the nearby school called “Madurasathul Ameer Ibrahim”. Some went inside while the others were outside. Some of the residents of Thinadhoo who opposed United Suvadive Republic were held captive inside the school building on the orders of seniors of Thinadhoo United Suvadive Republic.[12]

Another messenger with word of surrender[]

At this point Havaru Thinadhoo Moosa Fathuhy who was a well-respected man of the island approached the Dhoani by entering the shallow sea and announcing surrender on behalf of the residents of the island.[12] He approached the Dhoani even further after Annabeel Muhammadh Imaddhudheen who was in the Dhoani with the soldiers instructed residents in their sight to approach them.[12]

Assault in Thinadhoo. Burning of haruges (boat shelters)[]

The same soldier who torched ships earlier went ashore to Thinadhoo and torched Haruge (boat shelter) which belonged to the Thinadhoo Katheeb, Olha Didi Katheeb. As the fire engulfed the Hague it swept off the adjacent two other haruge that belonged to Katti Ibrahimbe, and Moosa Fathuhy's ( one who announced surrender the second time ) haruge.[8]

Surrendering by hoisting the Maldives flag goes unheeded[]

After burning the Haruges’ the Dhoani proceeded towards the main jetty while shooting at the island. They paused shooting when they saw the taking down of the flag of United Suvadive Republic and hoisting of Maldives flag. This was done by Havaru Thinadhoo Diamond Villa Ali Rasheed. According to Ali Rasheed he tried to take down the flag several times even earlier. He could not attempt to cross the path due to bullets being fired between the building “Madrasathul Ameer Ibrahim” and the flag pole location. He only found the opportunity to climb the pole when the Dhoani with soldiers moved away from the location.[8]

Continued assault and arrival of Ibrahim Nasir to Thinadhoo[]

The shooting continued after the momentary pause of taking down the United Suvadive flag. Soon after Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir arrived to Thinadhoo.

Ordered to depopulate by Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir[]

On arriving Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir ordered the depopulation of Havaru Thinadhoo by evening.[8][18] After the order, soldiers scattered into the island to enforce it.[8]

Forcing all residents to sea and looting[]

During the depopulation, all of the residents of the island including women, children and the elderly, were forced to stay in shallow water up to their necks. Then the island was ransacked, looted and stripped of its wealth. All of the homes in the island were destroyed during the raid.[19] Survivors allege countless lives were lost from what followed with the event.[20] Boats were burnt making it difficult for the Thinadhoo population of around 6,000 people to leave the island.[18]

Complete destruction of the island[]

After the depopulation of the island properties of the island were further burnt and destroyed completely.[8] After depopulation, in the news circulation called "Viyafaari Miyadhu" published by the government of Maldives, it had written that "The island of Havaru Thinadhoo now had neither people nor any dwellings."[21]

Systematic abuse, rape, imprisonment, torture and death[]

Many from Havaru Thinadhoo were arrested, tortured, systematic abuse and rape occurred.[22]

The leaders of United Suvadive Republic in Thinadhoo along with many others died in jail under highly questionable circumstances.[6]

Re-population[]

Prior to depopulation as of 1959, Thinadhoo had an estimated population of 6000 people.[18] After resettlement from the beginning of 22 August 1966 it only had an estimated 1800 people.

The Mayor of Addu, speaking at an event commemorating the 55th anniversary of Thinadhoo's re-population, said that displacing the island's occupants was one of the cruelest incidents in Maldivian history.[23]

References[]

  1. ^ "އައްޒަގެ ދިރާސީ ބަސް: ސުވަދުންމަތީ މީހުންގެ ނުތަނަވަސްކަމުގެ ފެށުން". Digital repository of The Maldives National University. Archived from the original on 2021-12-28.
  2. ^ "އައްޒަގެ ދިރާސީ ބަސް: ސުވަދުންމަތީ މީހުން އަރުމާދު އޮޑީގައި ކުރި ވިޔަފާރި ދަތުރު!". Digital repository of The Maldives National University. Archived from the original on 2021-12-28.
  3. ^ a b Koechlin, Bernard (1979). "Notes sur l'histoire et le navire long-courrier, odi, aujourd'hui disparu, des Maldives". Archipel. 18: 288. doi:10.3406/arch.1979.1516.
  4. ^ a b FRIAS, Xavier ROMERO. RULES FOR MALDI VIAN TRADING SHIPS TRA VELLING ABROAD (1925) AND A SOJOURN IN SOUTHERN CEYLON. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24920196: jstor. p. 3. {{cite book}}: External link in |location= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)
  5. ^ Bernard, Koechlin. "In: Archipel, 1979. Commerces et navires dans les mers du Sud". Notes sur l'histoire et le navire long-courrier, odi, aujourd'hui disparu, des Maldives. 18: 293.
  6. ^ a b c "United Suvadive Republic". Archived from the original on 2002-11-01.
  7. ^ "The Month in Review. (1959)". Current History, 37(218), . Retrieved August 28, 2021: 245–256.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i "ހަވަރު ރިނަދޫ މީހުންބޭލިވާހަކަ - 6". Archived from the original on 29 October 2020.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i Shafeega, Aminath. "1950 ge aharuge thereygai dhekunuge thin atholugai ufehdhi bagaavaaiy: G. Dh havaru thinadhoo meehunge dhauru". Saruna. Archived from the original on 2018-04-16.
  10. ^ Afeef, Azeeza. "Azzage dhiraasee bas : Suvaadheebu dhaulathugai Huvadhu atholhaai Fuvahmulakuge baiverivun othee kihaa minvarakah?". Archived from the original on 2022-01-22.
  11. ^ a b "ހަވަރުތިނަދޫން މީހުންބޭލުމުގެތެރެއިން - 1". Galehiri. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "ހަވަރު ރިނަދޫ މީހުންބޭލިވާހަކަ - 5". Archived from the original on 29 October 2020.
  13. ^ a b "ހަވަރުތިނަދޫން މީހުންބޭލި ވާހަކަ". Archived from the original on 4 December 2020.
  14. ^ a b "ހަވަރު ރިނަދޫ މީހުންބޭލިވާހަކަ - 1". Archived from the original on 29 October 2020.
  15. ^ a b c "ހަވަރު ރިނަދޫ މީހުންބޭލިވާހަކަ - 2". Archived from the original on 29 October 2020.
  16. ^ a b "ހަވަރު ރިނަދޫ މީހުންބޭލިވާހަކަ - 3". Archived from the original on 29 October 2020.
  17. ^ a b c d e "ހަވަރު ރިނަދޫ މީހުންބޭލިވާހަކަ - 4". Archived from the original on 29 October 2020.
  18. ^ a b c Maloney, C. "The Maldives". New Stresses in an Old Nation. Asian Survey: 654–671.
  19. ^ Lonely Planet, 1997. p. 163.
  20. ^ "Thinadhoo revolution, bloodbath and peace" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-02-05.
  21. ^ Shafeega, Aminath. "1950 ge aharuge thereygai dhekunuge thin atholugai ufehdhi bagaavaaiy: G. Dh havaru thinadhoo meehunge dhauru". Saruna. Archived from the original on 2018-04-16.
  22. ^ Mohamed, Ibrahim. "Adaptive capacity of islands of the Maldives to climate change. PhD Thesis, James Cook University" (PDF). Adaptive capacity of islands of the Maldives to climate change. PhD Thesis, James Cook University.
  23. ^ "The depopulation of Thinadhoo was "Genocide": Addu Mayor". Archived from the original on 2021-09-11.
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