This story is really a tragic story. 741 inhabitants of Hulhudheli islander of Maldives are now totally frustrated and have started an all out general strike out of desperation. They are in a desperate mood because for 15 years they have been continuously urging the government to do something to stop the erosion of their island. However, the government officials are too busy to listen to their problem and nothing has been done in 15 years. So, in a last attempt they have taken out this extreme measure. All 741 Inhabitants of this small island have stopped working. I am quoting from a report of MinivanNews:
"For fifteen years Hulhudheli islanders have complained that coastal erosion is threatening their very existence. On Saturday, their patience with government inaction finally snapped.
Hulhudheli’s 741 inhabitants downed tools and declared the island a government no-go area. The atoll chief, the police and the army have all been warned not to set foot on Hulhudheli.
“Most people have stopped work. Even the local jewelry makers have stopped in support of the action. Everybody supports the strike,” local resident Iqbal Mohamed told Minivan News on Tuesday.
“The island office has been closed and there is a large sign on the jetty which says ‘nobody from this atoll, not even the atoll chief, is allowed on this island.’ Locals say they will only allow government officials from Male’ to land in order to ‘negotiate’ with the people,” Iqbal added."
Unfortunately, government of Maldives has little concern for these people and even the ruling party did not let this matter to be discussed in the national parliament. So, there seems to be little hope for the islanders. According to Wikipedia, the length and width of Hulhudheli Island is just 950m meters and 300 meter respectively. The latest news is that a fact finding mission of the opposition MDP went to this island a few hours ago today and they talked to the islanders.
I just wish that this tragic news could get more media coverage and Maldives government and international NGOs would come forward to support these miserable islanders.
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Desperate times call for desperate measures...our prayers are with the inhabitants of the Hulhudheli island of Maldives.
Posted by: Bhakti Bapat | August 17, 2006 10:47 PM | Permalink to Comment