International Yoga Day | Violence against Indians during a yoga program in the Maldives; Those who came to attend the yoga were beaten

A group of protesters beat people with sticks at the International Yoga Day organized by the Indian community in the Maldives. During the yoga practice, the group who came with sticks were beating the yoga practitioners.

Several people were injured in an attack on the Maldives National Football Stadium. The mob returned after destroying seats and food. The Maldivian government has said it suspects extremist groups were behind the attack and has announced a comprehensive investigation.

BREAKING: Dramatic video from the Maldives show a group of extremists disrupting Yoga Day celebrations in the capital Male. pic.twitter.com/VuPvfxJLWc

— BNN ???????? Newsroom (@BNNMV) June 21, 2022

The event was organized by the Indian Cultural Center in association with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Empowerment on the occasion of International Yoga Day. Protesters raised banners and placards and chanted slogans calling for an end to the Yoga Day celebrations and for those in the audience to leave the stadium immediately. Several diplomats, government officials and Maldivian government ministers were present at the ceremony as the militants entered.

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

In the video of the violence, which was shared on social media, the attackers were seen beating people practicing yoga with sticks, flags and weapons. A video posted by Rajje TV shows protesters destroying the venue and throwing food for participants in the trash. Police used tear gas to prevent the clashes from escalating into violence.

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

President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih said he had ordered an investigation into the incident. He tweeted that the incident was being taken seriously and that the culprits would be brought to justice.