Minister Ghassan said that although the allowance was set at MVR 9,000 per month per family member, only 29 people are eligible. In total, the state will spend MVR 291,000 per month on these individuals.
Families of soldiers killed in the November 3, 1988, terrorist attack will receive a monthly allowance of MVR 9,000 each, with a total of MVR 261,000 allocated for 29 recipients, the government has announced.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some have expressed concern over the payments, while others argue that financial support for the families of those who risked their lives to protect the nation is justified.
“You cannot put a price on life,” Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon said.
Speaking to Mihaaru News, Ghassan said that although the allowance was set at MVR 9,000 per month per family member, only 29 people are eligible. In total, the state will spend MVR 291,000 per month on these individuals.
The allowance applies to the family members of the eight soldiers killed in the attack who meet the government's eligibility criteria.
The government has also decided to provide monthly allowances to those awarded medals for bravery.
Three recipients of the Medal for Exceptional Bravery will each receive MVR 9,000, amounting to MVR 27,000 per month. Four recipients of the Huravee Silver Medal for Bravery will each receive MVR 8,000, totaling MVR 32,000 per month.
Thirteen recipients of the Ribbon for Bravery will each receive MVR 6,000, amounting to MVR 78,000 per month. In total, MVR 398,000 will be allocated monthly to the families of the martyrs and medal recipients, Ghassan said.
“This is a symbolic gift to their families,” he said.
Minister Ghassan said that the allowance will only be provided to the parents, widows, and children of the martyred soldiers, and will not continue to the next generation.
“When this rule is gazetted, it will be clear that this support is only given as long as the dependents are alive,” he said.
The minister dismissed public concerns that a large number of people would be receiving the allowance, saying that the payments were carefully structured.
“The martyrs went into battle knowing they could lose their lives. They entrusted their families to the living,” he said.
Ghassan shared his personal recollection of Shaheed Adam Naseer, one of the fallen soldiers.
“I was eight years old, but he was a friendly young man. He was 23 or 24 when he was martyred. Before the attack, he always said that if the country ever came under threat, he would fight for it. He was one of the officers who gave their lives that day,” he said.
Ghassan said the allowance also serves as an assurance to serving soldiers that the government will take care of their families if they are ever killed in action.
“We hope such a day will never come again. But if it does, our soldiers have sworn to give their lives for the country. This allowance is an encouragement and a promise that their families will be cared for.”
The November 3 attack, led by Sri Lankan mercenaries, resulted in the deaths of 19 Maldivians, including eight soldiers, and left dozens injured. The government had previously provided a small allowance to the families of the martyred soldiers, but it was later suspended.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has since reinstated and increased the payments.
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