The police in the Maldives used tear gas and pepper spray to control the crowd who disturbed the yoga event organized by the Indian High Commission, or the Embassy, in the capital of men on Tuesday morning, said a organizer.
The crowd invaded the stadium where more than 150 people, including diplomats and government officials, took part in an event that celebrated the International Yoga Day, attacking participants and damaging property, one of the organizers, who did not want to be named because he was not authorized to talk to the media , told Reuters.
Previously, the protesters raised the plaque stating that Yoga opposed Islamic principles.Islam is a state religion in the Maldives, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean with a population of around half a million.The police responded with anti-richot steps and then used pepper spray and tear gas to control the crowd and secure the area, Police Supervisor Fathmath Nashwa told Reuters.
Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the police investigation of the incident had begun.”This is treated as a serious problem and those who are responsible will be quickly brought to the law,” Solih said on Twitter.