When India launched 'Operation Cactus' to suppress a coup in Maldives

Excerpts from the book Mission Overseas, provide details of 'Operation Cactus' that India undertook in November, 1988

In November, 1988 the government of the Maldives was facing an unprecedented crisis when a group of 80 Tamil mercenaries belonging to People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Elam (PLOTE) launched a raid to help disgruntled expatriate Maldivians led by businessman Abdullah Luthifi. The government led by President Gayoon (who was in his third consecutive term) hid in a safe house and managed to send a request for help to the Indian government through the Indian High Commission in Male. The Indian government decided to intervene quickly and decisively. The crack team of the Para Brigade led by Brigadier Farooq Bulsara