The mayor of Thinadhoo, Saud Ali, strongly criticized the 'forced' relocation of island residents to Male', accusing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government of implementing policies similar to those that resulted in the tragic Thinadhoo massacre in 1962.

Back in 1962, the then-Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasirr gave orders to evacuate Thinadhoo in order to suppress the secessionist movement of the United Suvadive Republic in the southern atolls. The military invaded the island, causing destruction, and committing atrocities such as killing and raping residents, resulting in the death or displacement of hundreds of people.

Recently, Saud accused the current government of adopting a comparable approach, albeit in a different manner. He claimed that instead of using military force to evacuate and devastate islands, the present administration is withholding essential services from the islands, pushing residents to feel compelled to move to Male'.

Rather than physically expelling people and ruining islands, high-ranking officials are being accused of undermining the healthcare and education systems on the islands, limiting job opportunities, restricting housing options, and suggesting through their actions that islanders have no alternative but to relocate to Male'.

Saud also criticized the 76 parliamentarians representing constituencies outside Male' for their lack of response to this issue. He stated that the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) members, who hold a majority in Parliament, seem unable to act as island populations decline and public services deteriorate.

Saud highlighted that the majority of the state budget is being utilized to concentrate the population in the Male' area, leaving the remaining residents in their home islands neglected. He claimed that this mindset is prevalent within the government.

Additionally, Saud alleged that the media refrains from reporting on this matter due to concerns about losing sponsorship and financial support from the government. He urged the public to carefully consider the circumstances.

Saud claimed that President Muizzu's government aims to reclaim land from the waters surrounding Male' and relocate the entire Maldivian population there, suggesting a deliberate plan to depopulate the islands.

The Thinadhoo City Council had previously expressed that while financial compensation cannot undo the suffering caused by the 1962 massacre, they are committed to taking necessary actions to hold the perpetrators accountable.