Introduction
On November 3, 1988, a group of Maldivians, assisted by a Sri Lankan militant organization, attempted to overthrow the government in the Maldives. The coup was thwarted by India’s military intervention, known as Operation Cactus. This essay provides a detailed account of the events of the The 1988 Maldives Coup from the perspectives of the Maldives’ security forces and the Indian Armed Forces.
The 1988 Maldives Coup Attempt
Early Morning Attack: On November 3, 1988, Lt. Moosa Ali Jaleel, then 28 years old, was woken up by gunfire in the National Security Service (NSS) barracks. Maldivian businessman Abdullah Luthfee and Ahmed “Sagaru” Nasir, aided by Uma Maheswaran, leader of the Sri Lankan militant organization, the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), and 80 militants, attempted to overthrow the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Strategic Positioning: The militants took over an office building opposite the NSS headquarters, using it as a defensive position and shooting from doors and windows, using people as human shields.
Initial Resistance: Lt. Jaleel, along with Lt. Adam Ibrahim Manik, grabbed AK-47s and engaged in heavy firing with the militants. Despite being injured by shrapnel from a grenade, Lt. Jaleel continued to defend the NSS headquarters.
International Call for Help
Calls for Assistance: President Gayoom, Foreign Minister Fathhulla Jameel, and Foreign Secretary Ahmed Zaki called the US, the UK, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Singapore, and India for military assistance.
Response from India: India, being the closest country, responded promptly. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, upon learning of the coup, called a crisis committee meeting. By 9 am, the 50th Parachute Brigade was activated, and preparations for the mission began.
Mobilization of Indian Forces
Activation of Forces: Colonel Subhash C Joshi was summoned, and 6 Para was mobilized in Agra. By 3:30 pm, the Air Force’s 44 Squadron and the vanguard of the Parachute Brigade were at the airport.
Operation Commences: At 21:25 hours, Hulhulé airport was cleared for landing. Group Captain AG Bewoor made a nearly blind landing on an unlit runway. Indian soldiers began arriving in Malé.
Lack of Intelligence: Despite the rapid mobilization, Indian forces lacked significant intelligence on the situation in the Maldives, including the identity and strength of the militants.
Securing Malé
Initial Confrontations: Colonel Joshi and Major Rupinder Dhillon ensured the safety of President Gayoom. Indian troops surrounded Malé, engaging with militants and securing the city.
Strategic Movements: Major Dhillon's team secured the air traffic control, enabling further landings and coordination. Colonel Joshi and his men rescued President Gayoom and his family, relocating them to the NSS headquarters.
Establishing Control: Indian forces, along with Maldivian NSS, established control over key positions in Malé, ensuring the safety of civilians and government officials.
High Seas Drama
Intercepting MV Progress Light: INS Betwa and INS Godavari intercepted MV Progress Light, the vessel used by militants to escape. The ship, carrying hostages, was slowed down by Indian forces.
Negotiations and Confrontations: Militants threatened to kill hostages if not allowed to escape. INS Godavari fired at the vessel, disabling its engine and forcing the militants to surrender.
Rescue Operations: The hostages were rescued and the militants were apprehended. The rescued hostages and militants were brought to Malé.
The Maldives' Perspective
Security Forces’ Response: Lt. Jaleel and his team faced significant challenges in repelling the attackers. The militants were well-armed and had taken strategic positions.
Casualties and Injuries: Several NSS personnel were killed or injured in the initial assault. Lt. Jaleel himself was injured but continued to lead his men.
Civilian Impact: Civilians were caught in the crossfire, and the streets of Malé saw significant bloodshed. The militants used hostages as human shields, complicating the efforts of the NSS.
India's Military Strategy
Rapid Mobilization: The speed of India’s response was critical. Within hours of the request for help, Indian forces were en route to the Maldives.
Strategic Planning: Despite the lack of intelligence, Indian military planners devised a strategy to secure key locations in Malé and neutralize the militant threat.
Coordination and Execution: The coordination between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force was exemplary. The seamless execution of the operation was a testament to India’s military prowess.
Post-Operation Developments
Securing Malé: After ensuring the safety of President Gayoom, Indian forces continued to patrol the streets of Malé, maintaining order and preventing further violence.
Investigations and Interrogations: A joint investigation team, comprising Maldivian and Indian officials, interrogated the captured militants to gather intelligence and understand the extent of the plot.
Diplomatic Efforts: The operation strengthened diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives. India’s prompt response was widely appreciated, and it reinforced India’s role as a regional security provider.
Long-Term Impact
Strengthening Bilateral Relations: The successful execution of Operation Cactus bolstered India-Maldives relations. It showcased India’s commitment to the security of its neighbors.
Regional Security Dynamics: The operation highlighted India’s capability and willingness to intervene in regional crises. It sent a strong message to other countries about India’s strategic reach and military effectiveness.
Lessons Learned: The operation provided valuable lessons in rapid deployment, joint operations, and crisis management, which have informed subsequent Indian military interventions.
Note: In this CAPF essay, the world limit has been crossed to give you more information, you can take relevant portions as per your need. Further, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.
Relevance to UPSC CAPF Exam
Operation Cactus is a critical case study for UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant exam preparation. It encompasses various aspects of military strategy, international relations, and crisis management, making it highly relevant for candidates.
Understanding the operation provides insights into India's defense capabilities and its role in regional stability, aligning with the UPSC CAPF AC syllabus 2024. Knowledge of such operations is beneficial for essay writing, interviews, and current affairs.
By understanding the depth and complexity of Operation Cactus, candidates can gain a comprehensive view of international military interventions, enhancing their preparation for various competitive examinations, including UPSC CAPF.
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