Leicester violence: Hindus and Muslims make joint appeal for harmony

LEADERS of the Hindu and Muslim communities in the eastern England city of Leicester presented a united front on Tuesday as they appealed for harmony in the wake of violent clashes following an India-Pakistan cricket match, which has led to nearly 50 arrests.

Pradyumna Das, President of the city’s ISKCON Temple, read out a statement joined by community leaders outside a mosque in the city to express ‘sadness’ over the violence which escalated over the weekend.

The community leaders demanded that the ‘inciters of hatred’ leave Leicester alone and called for an immediate cessation of provocation and violence, both in thought and behaviour.

‘Our message to anyone that sows disharmony between us is clear: we will not let you succeed. We ask all to respect the sanctity of religious places, both mosques and mandirs alike — whether provocation with loud music, flag bearing, derogatory chants or physical attacks against the fabric of worship. This is not acceptable nor upheld by our faiths,’ the statement said.

India has raised the issue with the UK and sought action against the perpetrators.

The Indian high commission in London has condemned the violence and the matter was raised by external affairs minister S Jaishankar.

He tweeted: ‘Shared my concern about the security and welfare of the Indian community in UK. Welcomed his assurances in that regard.’