Hindu-Muslim unrest in Leicester, UK
There have been calls from community leaders and local politicians in the city of Leicester to bring about an end to “provocation and violence.”
The calls for an immediate end to the violence come after weeks of unrest that was triggered following a cricket match between India and Pakistan late last month.
Leaders from both Hindu and Muslim communities gathered on Tuesday morning on the steps of a mosque. A joint statement was read out saying they were “saddened and heartbroken to see the eruption of tension and violence.”
What caused the violence?
Leicester is England’s most multicultural city and it is where Hindus and Muslims have lived peacefully for decades.
The violence in the street broke out between some members of the Hindu and Muslim communities following India beating archrival Pakistan in an Asia Cup match in Dubai on August 28.
After the match, a large crowd went out on Melton Road in Leicester waving Indian flags, to celebrate their win, whilst some appeared to chant “Pakistan Murdabad” (death to Pakistan) according to some videos shared online.
There has been a “series of incidents” in different parts of the city over the week.
On Saturday night, a crowd of about 200 Hindu men marched in the city, with some shouting “Jai Shri Ram” (Hail Lord Ram) – a war cry for far-right Hindus in India. Some Muslims came out onto the street, and it lead to some scuffles.
The violence continued into Sunday with videos posted showing groups of young people wearing masks and balaclavas fighting in the streets.
A Hindu temple was vandalised following Muslim residents and shop owners being intimidated.
It is being suggested by some in the UK Asian community that the unrest could be linked to the rise in Hindu nationalism in India under PM Narendra Modi.