The current Maldives government's coalition partner, the Islamist party Adhaalath, has declared yoga to be a 'haram' practice while the Home Minister Imran Abdulla has vocally endorsed the policy of Adhaalath, local media reported.
The surge in communal violence has sparked concern among many in India who fear the country is becoming more polarised than ever along communal lines. For many, the blame should be directed toward the ruling right-wing party Bharatiya Janata Party, led by the prime minister, Narendra Modi.
An event celebrating the International Yoga Day that was being held in a football stadium in Maldives capital turned violent and chaotic after a charged Islamist mob entered the stadium and attacked the participants, which also included many Indians, on Tuesday.