Yoga Day violence: Accountability to be ensured for responsible parties

The cabinet subcommittee constituted for the probe of the mob attack on the event held at the national football stadium on June 21, to mark World Yoga Day, has advised ensuring accountability for responsible parties.

The subcommittee compiled an investigative report following their probe which was deliberated at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting held at the President’s Office.

In their report, the subcommittee made 39 recommendations in five areas; strengthening policies governing security operations, resolving religious disharmony, organizing and holding events, ensuring accountability of responsible parties, and identifying and addressing threats to national security.

Following deliberations – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih concluded to instruct relevant stakeholders to initiate and implement the recommendations made in the investigative report.

The yoga event, organized by the Indian Cultural Center and the Sports Ministry, was held on the morning of June 21, and was attended by dozens of participants, foreign ambassadors including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, diplomats, and government officials.

A mob of angry protestors had stormed the stadium, and threatened and assaulted some of the participants, and destroyed property.

Police arrested over 20 suspects in connection to the mob attack on the event, including top PPM politician, former MP Mohamed Ismail, local Islamic scholars Sheikh Adam Nishan and Sheikh Mohamed Fazloon. Many of them including Mohamed Ismail and both the scholars have since been released.