Mob Attacks Indians In Maldives During International Yoga Day 2022 Celebration

Maldives Mob Attack: President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said, "This is being treated as a matter of serious concern and those responsible will be swiftly brought before the law," he said.

The mob staging protest in Maldives | Credit: Special arrangement

Chennai: An International Yoga Day celebration turned violent in Maldives after angry mob entered Maldives national football stadium and attacked the Indians on Tuesday. Following the attack, Maldives police used gas shells to bring the situation under control.

In a tweet, President of Republic of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said, "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," he said.

A video from the stadium showed angry mob suddenly barging into the stadium and charging against the Indians who were performing yoga on the occasion of yoga day. As soon as they started to attack, many people who were on their yoga mat immediately ran away from the mob. 

Following the attack, Indians in the island nation requested Maldives government to provide them protection.

On Tuesday, the event was jointly organised by Maldives Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community empowerment along with Indian Cultural Centre in national football stadium Galolhu. 

Meanwhile, local reports suggest that the attack was reportedly due to a stir that started after the controversial statement of Nupur Sharma, a former BJP member, about Prophet Mohammad.

The attack also comes after Maldives President Solih signed a decree against the Opposition's 'India Out' campaign in April 2022. The Opposition started 'India Out' campaign by claiming that Indian military officers are stationed in the island nation as a violation of the sovereignty of Maldives. However, Maldives government has always denied the presence of Indian military.

Every year, International Yoga Day is celebrated across the world on June 21 from its inspection in 2015.