On Tuesday morning, an enraged mob stormed the national football stadium in Male, the Maldives’ capital, disrupting a yoga programme organised by the Indian High Commission. Prior to the event, protesters held posters declaring that yoga violated Islamic teachings. According to a report from the Maldivian news agency The Edition, some Islamists feel that doing yoga is the same as worshipping the Sun, which is considered a heretic act in the Islamic faith.
On the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, the Indian Cultural Centre organised a yoga and meditation hour in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment. Due to the disruption by the crowd, attendees at the yoga class were unable to continue with their meditation.
A group of Maldivian youth have disrupted a yoga day event organised by the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. pic.twitter.com/gOCvPVwjmS
— The Maldives Journal (@MaldivesJournal) June 21, 2022
The demonstrators, who were carrying banners, posters, and shouting slogans, allegedly asked that the Yoga Day festivities be cancelled and that all participants leave the stadium immediately. Some participants said they were threatened by mob members. Several Maldives government ambassadors, government officials, and ministers were also present when the crowd stormed the gathering.
Miscreants armed with sticks and flags charged at those practising yoga and meditation on their yoga mats, according to videos published on social media. A video broadcast by Raajje TV showed demonstrators destroying the site and trashing food kiosks intended for attendees.
A group of Maldivian youth have disrupted a yoga day event organised by the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. pic.twitter.com/gOCvPVwjmS
— The Maldives Journal (@MaldivesJournal) June 21, 2022
Before the event escalated into a violent conflict, police intervened by discharging tear gas canisters onto the field where the boisterous throng was agitating the guests. The Maldives’ President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has requested an investigation into the event. ‘@PoliceMv has initiated an inquiry into the incident that occurred this morning at Galolhu stadium. This is being considered as a major problem, and those involved will be brought before the law as soon as possible,’ Solih tweeted.
An investigation has been launched by @PoliceMv into the incident that happened this morning at Galolhu stadium.
This is being treated as a matter of serious concern and those responsible will be swiftly brought before the law.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) June 21, 2022
The Maldives was one of 177 countries to vote in favour of co-sponsoring the United Nations resolution designating June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. Citizens were outraged when it was announced that an event will be held to honour the International Day of Yoga. Some even threatened to boycott the event. Yoga is a contentious subject among devout Muslims in the Maldives, who have opposing views on the spiritual exercise that has benefited millions throughout the world.
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