Tension in UK after right-wing Hindutva activists march chanting "Jai Shri Ram" during Muslim prayer
Tense situation was reported in Leicester City in United Kingdom when right-wing Hindutva activists marched and registered an unplanned protest while Muslim diaspora was offering prayers.
Police said two arrests had been made, and that the trouble flared up after the march.
Police said one man was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and another on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
They remain in police custody.
The incident was reported weeks after a minor clash on August 28, following the cricket match of India, Pakistan.
On 1 September, East Leicester MP Claudia Webbe wrote to the police about violence breaking out on Shaftsbury Avenue, appreciating their actions in engaging with the community to prevent further violence.
"I am also pleased that Leicestershire Police are treating the incident as a hate crime and conducting an investigation to find out who was responsible for the racialised chanting and violence, whilst providing additional patrols in the Belgrave area," Webbe's letter read.
She had highlighted her constituents' concerns that though the "violence was seemingly motivated by nationalist sentiments," they also believed that it was a "consequence of underlying Islamophobia in parts of Leicester's communities, rather than an isolated incident."
In a second letter penned on 14 September, titled 'Incitement to hate and ongoing disturbances in Leicester East,' Webbe informed the police about allegations of hate towards "specific nationalities, race and/or religions" predating the Asia Cup, which implied that the tensions "may be more longstanding" and not related to the cricket tournament.
Webbe went on to inform the police that she had learnt of "fake social media posts" that were designed to entrap locals into attending a "fake and hateful" event, "which was intent on causing unnecessary alarm, fear, and distress."
She had called on the police to ensure that misinformation did not do more harm in the area, and informed them that there might be more "attempts to trigger clashes."
Suleman Nagdi, of the Leicester-based Federation of Muslim Organisations told the BBC: "What we have seen on the streets is very alarming.
"There have been problems in the community since the India and Pakistan cricket match and while that game often sparks gatherings they have not in the past turned this ugly.
"We need calm - the disorder has to stop and it has to stop now. There are some very dissatisfied young men who have been causing havoc," he was quoted as saying in the BBC report.
Sanjiv Patel, who represents Hindu and Jain temples across Leicester, said he was deeply saddened and shocked by Saturday night's disorder.
Later, the police, in statement issued on 18 September, said that its officers attempted to engage with the crowds to maintain control.
Our response to disorder in East Leicester pic.twitter.com/1alu5Q95er
— Leicestershire Police (@leicspolice) September 18, 2022
Hindu right wing diaspora march while Muslims were praying has led to a clash in Leicester, UK. The Indian disease has spread to the UK. pic.twitter.com/Odk5jfhGOk
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) September 17, 2022
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WB BJP chief urges state admin to act against violence perpetrators irrespective of party colours
Kolkata (PTI): A day after the BJP's sweeping victory in the West Bengal assembly polls, state party president Samik Bhattacharya on Tuesday urged the administration to act firmly against perpetrators of post-poll violence irrespective of political affiliation.
Addressing reporters after a meeting of the party's top leadership at its Bidhannagar office, Bhattacharya said strict action must be taken against those indulging in violence and warned that BJP workers found involved in such activities would be expelled from the party.
"Post-poll violence would not be tolerated in any form. If anyone from our party is found involved, we will be compelled to remove them," he said.
The BJP leader also appealed to Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala to ensure prompt administrative intervention wherever incidents of violence are reported.
"I would like to urge the administration to take necessary action wherever such incidents occur. This is precisely why the people of West Bengal have chosen the BJP," he said.
Bhattacharya thanked the electorate for the party's emphatic mandate and expressed gratitude to migrant workers who returned to the state to cast their votes despite logistical challenges.
According to party sources, a high-level meeting was held at the BJP's Bidhannagar office on Tuesday, attended by central observers and senior state leaders, to discuss measures to prevent violence and maintain law and order in the post-result scenario.
The discussions also focused on ensuring that there is no repeat of the violence reported after the 2021 assembly elections, when the BJP had accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of targeting its workers.
The BJP has secured 207 of the 293 seats where polls were held, securing a two-thirds majority and paving the way for its first government in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has won 80 seats.
Bhattacharya also appealed to party workers to maintain restraint and not let the victory celebrations turn disruptive.
"I urge our workers to remain peaceful, stay happy, and fulfil the responsibilities given by the party. Do not hurt anyone in the name of celebration, and do not hurt anyone's sentiments," he said.
