Mob disrupts international yoga day event in Maldives
Rezaul H Laskar
NEW DELHI: A mob disrupted the international yoga day celebration in the Maldivian capital of Male on Tuesday, with local authorities pointing to the possible involvement of the opposition party headed by former president Abdulla Yameen. The mob stormed the Galolhu national stadium shortly after the beginning of the celebration organised by the youth and sports ministry of the Maldives and the Indian Cultural Centre, which is affiliated to the Indian high commission. The event was being attended by Indian envoy Munu Mahawar, other ambassadors and diplomats and members of the public.
Members of the mob, carrying flags with verses from the Quran, scuffled with participants and vandalised property before they were dispersed.
The event resumed soon after and was held without any further interruption.
Maldives President Ibu Solih quickly condemned the disruption of the celebration and said in a tweet that police had launched an investigation. “This is being treated as a matter of serious concern and those responsible will be swiftly brought before the law.”
The Maldives Police Service (MSS) said its serious and organised crime department is handling the investigation.
“As of now, the evidence indicates that the demonstrators were using items taken from the office of the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). So far, six Maldivians have been taken into custody regarding this case,” MSS said.
PPM is the opposition party headed by former president Yameen that has been linked to a long-running “India Out” campaign.