The depopulation of Havaru Thinadhoo was an event that took place in 1962, following the formation of the United Suvadive Republic, when Thinadhoo, the wealthiest island at the time was forcefully depopulated and destroyed.
Background
Havaru Thinadhoo once operated 9 long-haul ships, with Gadhdhoo operating 2 ships, Nilandhoo operating 3 ships, and Dhaandhoo operating 2 ships, bringing the total to 16 ships in Huvadhu. The island was renowned for its frequent trips and its wealth enabled the southern atolls of Maldives to form a nascent thalassocracy.
First rebellion
In July 1959, Ibrahim Nasir, along with army personnel, travelled to Thinadhoo on a gunboat and attacked the residents, arresting the alleged leaders of the United Suvadive Republic present at the time.
The United Kingdom expressed their disapproval of the Maldivian government due to the violent attack against the residents of Huvadu on August 7, 1959.
Partitioning of Huvadu Atoll
After the first rebellion, Huvadhoo Atoll was partitioned into two administrative regions, Huvadu East and West, which were later renamed Huvadu South and North. Today, these partitions are known as Gaafu Alif Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Second rebellion
All photos and videos related to the incident involving Maldives Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and Thinadhoo are connected to the first uprising. No public media has been released regarding the second uprising yet. However, it is alleged that Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir had access to videos and images that were captured during the event.
The second uprising began as a result of several laws enacted in the Maldives that had a significant impact on the merchants of Havaru Thinadhoo. These laws included increased tariffs and a new payment mechanism for sold items that were required to pass through the Maldives government, resulting in extended delays in payments to merchants in Havaru Thinadhoo. The new structure severely hindered the island's thriving economy.
Another cause of the second insurrection was the abusive behavior of Maldives government soldiers who were stationed in Havaru Thinadhoo.
Although additional appeals were made to the Maldives government to improve the conditions in Havaru Thinadhoo, no response was received. Karankaa Rasheed, a staff member of the Maldives' people's majlis (parliament), has stated that no such letter was ever received, and the mission to quell the insurrection was kept a state secret.
Electing the leader of United Suvadive for Thinadhoo
Olha Didi and Hassan Didi, along with Muhammadh Hameed, were among the individuals who were working to improve the conditions in Thinadhoo. However, when they learned of their imminent detention by the Maldivian authorities, they were in Addu.
Discussions were held with Thinadhoo residents who were in Addu, and 190 individuals participated in the voting process. The purpose of the election was to re-establish the United Suvadive Republic and elect a leader from Huvadhoo to head the movement. Olha Didi and Hassan Didi won the election to head the movement, with Olha Didi receiving 140 votes. Olha Didi ge Hassan Didi was 19 years old at the time.
Another meeting was organized in Addu with Thinadhoo residents, and according to the discussion, on the night of 5 June 1961, supporters of the United Suvadive Republic entered Thinadhoo from the Baraasil side, arrested Maldivian troops and their representatives, and took them as captives to Addu.
During a second meeting, Afeef Didi, the president of the United Suvadive Republic in Addu, called for the reinstatement of the United Suvadives in Huvadhoo Atoll.
Turmoil in the south
The second uprising occurred with the re-establishment of the United Suvadive Republic in Thinadhoo. A new legislation was passed authorizing the imprisonment, confiscation of all money, and destruction of the houses of anybody who publicly opposed the United Suvadive. The population of Huvadhoo atoll, especially Thinadhoo, was split in their support for the United Suvadive Republic but was hesitant to express their dissent owing to the law. There was internal strife in Thinadhoo before Silvercrest arrived. According to inhabitants of Gaddhoo, supporters of the United Suvadive ransacked the island, ruined its properties, and beat its residents because of their disagreement.
Arrival of Silvercrest
On January 30, 1962, at around 2:30 to 3 PM, the vessel named "Silvercrest", commanded by Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir, arrived at Havaru Thinadhoo. It transported soldiers equipped with five rifles and ten submachine guns.