Former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom have officially inaugurated the new jetty developed by the Thinadhoo City Council during their ongoing visit to the city.
The two former presidents traveled to Thinadhoo to participate in activities commemorating the 60th anniversary of the island's resettlement.
Thinadhoo City Mayor Saud Ali previously said that invitations to the celebrations were extended to all former presidents. However, he confirmed that only Yameen and Nasheed had accepted the invitation.
The Thinadhoo City Council has planned an extensive program to mark the 60th anniversary of the resettlement. According to Mayor Saud, the festivities include a traditional parade, various sporting events, and a ceremony to confer honorary and incentive awards to individuals who have served the community. Additionally, preparations are underway to hold a special commemorative gala.
The forced evacuation of Thinadhoo is a historical event linked to the Suvadive secessionist movement of 1962. Historical records indicate that then-Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir arrived on the island—the central hub of the three southern atolls attempting to secede—accompanied by military forces.
Following unrest, Nasir ordered the complete evacuation of the island. Many accounts allege that the event resulted in civilian deaths and various human rights abuses against the population.
Thinadhoo was eventually resettled four years later, in 1966.
