Mizoram sees low key yoga day

Aizawl, June 21 (IANS) The International Yoga Day was observed on Wednesday on a low key in predominantly Christian Mizoram after an influential civil youth group asked people to refrain from doing yoga exercises.

The main event was held at the Assam Rifles Ground in Aizawl where Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma was the chief guest.

Sharma, who served in the Indian Army for more than 40 years, said: "There are certain misconceptions about yoga which must be dispelled. Some believe even in Mizoram that yoga is a religious activity impinging on other faiths." He said this was not so.

But the Young Mizo Association (YMA) refused to take part in the yoga day events, describing yoga as "detrimental to Christian belief and not in line with Mizo culture".

It urged people to stay away from any event related to yoga.