Leicester, UK: Communal violence erupts after IND vs PAK match, temple targetted after Hindu march; Video Viral

Leicester violence has taken the centre stage after a video of a man allegedly a Muslim removing the flag from a Hindu temple and throwing it to the grounds.

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At a time when the United Kingdom (UK) is mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Leicester has been witnessing communal clashes between Hindus and Muslims over India vs Pakistan cricket match which was held in Dubai in the Asia Cup 2022. Leicester violence first incident came to the limelight on August 28. At first, it was reported that minor incidents took place, however, in the past 24 hours, UK media have been reporting on 'large-scale' and 'serious' disorder in the English city of Leicester to the northwest of London after street clashes between large groups of Hindus and Muslims. At first, a video went viral showing a group of Hindus marching with 'Jai Shri Ram' chants in the Muslim-dominated area. Now, Leicester violence has taken the centre stage after a video of a man allegedly a Muslim removing the flag from a Hindu temple and throwing it to the grounds.

In the Leicester temple video, it can be seen a man allegedly from the Muslim community walking on the walls of a Hindu temple and eradicating the saffron flag from its place. The incident took place at the temple on Melton Road, Leicester, and that too in the presence of Police officials.The video was shared by a user with the caption, "Shameful scenes of religious hatred against Hindus in Leicester by targeting their temple"

In various social media posts floating on social media, it was alleged that mosques were attacked, however, Chief Constable Nixon denied this saying, "We've seen reports on social media that a mosque is being attacked. Officers on the ground have confirmed this is not true. Please only share information on social media you know to be true."

Another video floating on social media alleges that Hindus attacked Muslims on the streets of Leicester. Here's the video-

In the ongoing communal clashes in UK, Claudia Webbe, the independent MP from Leicester East, issued an appeal on Twitter calling for “cool heads”, and implored everyone to “go home”. She called for “dialogue to repair community relations”. She wrote, "Dear Leicester, This is a time for cool heads.I implore everyone to go home. We can strengthen our dialogue to repair community relations. Your family will be worried for your safety, please accept the advice of the police who are trying to defuse and are calling for calm."

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Leicester Police on its social media issued a statement saying, "Police officers continue to use dispersal powers and wider stop and search powers as part of our policing operation in areas of East Leicester. Thank you to everyone who has reported matters to us. Your reports have enabled us to take quick action." In another update the Police stated-

"Our policing operation in the East Leicester area continues. There have been no further reports of disorder. We would like to thank the local community for their support in reducing tension," added the Police.

Leicester violence

It all started when a video was shared on social media on September 17, showing a group of men were filmed marching through the city’s Green Lane Road area, where there are a number of Muslim-owned businesses and a Hindu temple. The Guardian quoted a 42-year-old community leader named Rukhsana Hussain as saying she heard cries of 'Jai Shri Ram' from some distance away. Subsequently, someone called Majid Freeman, a 34-year-old community activist, posted a video on Twitter, purportedly of Hindus on Belgrave Road throwing glass bottles. In fact, Hindus were also accused of attacking mosques, however, the Leicester Police denied it and called it baseless.

On the other hand, 31-year-old Drishti Mae was quoted saying she had never seen unrest of this kind in the city. "It’s the Hindu community that’s being targeted, a first-generation migrant community…They feel threatened, and attacked," she was quoted in the report.

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