Children in peace walk tribute for those killed
HUNDREDS of Muslim children and families said prayers and laid flowers outside the Manchester Arena for those killed and injured in Monday’s attack.
North Manchester Jamia Mosque in Cheetham Hill organised the walk to show their disgust at the actions of bomber Salman Abedi – and to show their solidarity with victims.
Around 500 adults and children from across the city’s Muslim community in north Manchester took part in the evening peace walk last night from the Woodlands Road mosque to the Manchester Arena.
Carrying flowers and balloons, they walked the three-mile distance to the site of the indoor venue to hold a vigil outside the scene.
Mosque members were also joined by non-Muslim community members from across north Manchester.
Moin Azmi, spokesman for the mosque, said young Muslims had been among the most deeply disturbed
“It was really good to see people driving past supporting us. That’s the image we want to show – that we are a part of society campaigning against the terrorist.
“The children were more upset this time because other children had been killed. Children were killed when they should have been having fun. They wanted to show solidarity and be part of society.”
Passersby joined the walk and those taking part proudly displayed banners and posters declaring their love for Manchester.
The walk took around 40 minutes as they made their way down Cheetham Hill Road.
At the Arena, flowers and messages were left for the 22 killed in the attack. “It’s such an important age for them,” Moin, 42, said.
“We want them to know they are on the right side of what’s been going on.”
And Imam Arshad Misbahi added: “This peace walk shows our feelings towards the atrocity.
“It was against the teachings of Islam.
“We organised the walk for our students.
“They have been asking questions at school and we feel as a Mosque we have to unite and show our sympathy for the lives that have been lost.”