The Indian High Commission in London issued a statement condemning the violence against the Indian community in Leicester and the vandalisation of Hindu places of worship and symbols. It urged British authorities to take “immediate action” against the perpetrators and provide protection to those affected by the violence.
The statement comes amid three weeks of violence in Leicester in the aftermath of India’s victory against Pakistan in their first encounter of the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates on 28 August. To date, the Leicestershire Police have arrested 47 individuals for inciting violence, possession of weapons, and common assault.
Press Release: High Commission of India, London condemns the violence in Leicester. @MIB_India pic.twitter.com/acrW3kHsTl
— India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 19, 2022
Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said that there have been a “number reports” of violence in east Leicester. Reflecting the severity of the situation, he revealed that additional officers initially posted at the Queen’s funeral had been redirected to contain the situation.
Leicester Mayor Peter Soulsby said that the violence had gotten out of hand because of social media disinformation in an “otherwise very peaceful city.”
Soulsby dismissed speculation about an attack on a local mosque, adding that the police in the area had confirmed that the reports were inaccurate.
Our response to disorder in East Leicester pic.twitter.com/1alu5Q95er
— Leicestershire Police (@leicspolice) September 18, 2022
A further update on our response to the disorder in areas of East Leicester.
— Leicestershire Police (@leicspolice) September 19, 2022
A total of 47 arrests have been made so far.
If you have heard anything or have any more information you can submit this via our report link at https://t.co/i1pIZT74rW pic.twitter.com/RMIeKIzRrZ
The brawls turned from an India-Pakistan disagreement into religion-based violence as videos and images showed Pakistani gangs attacking Hindus and vandalising Hindu places of worship.
A police spokesperson confirmed that a man had taken down a flag outside a Hindu temple. He also confirmed that the police are investigating the issue and promoting “dialogue and calm” from the local community.
Hindu mobs on Belgrave Road throwing glass bottles at the Muslims but narrowly missing police officers heads on numerous occasions. There is NOT a small minority of these Hindutva thugs. Theres hundreds of them. Will the Hindu community leaders continue defending them? #Leicester pic.twitter.com/WzXnY4AWVj
— Majid Freeman (@Majstar7) September 17, 2022
Hindu Mandir Vandalised in Leicester by Muslim community fanatics. They have burt the religious flags and have been trying to keep Hindus hostage inside incluing little children. Cars and other Hindu owned properties have been toppled and vandalised too. pic.twitter.com/3OyC10ndeQ
— Rashmi Samant (@RashmiDVS) September 18, 2022
The situation took a major turn for the worse on Saturday as both Hindu and Muslim communities held independent marches to protest against violence against their community members.
On Saturday, a group of Hindu men led a march on Green Lane Road, home to a Hindu temple and several Muslim-owned businesses. A witness reported that the group taunted the community and “physically [beat] people up randomly.” The witness claimed that the impromptu march by the Muslim community on Sunday took place because they were not convinced that the police officials would protect them.
The leaders of Hindu and Jain temples in the area condemned Saturday’s march and the “insensitive and utterly disgraceful acts on the streets of Belgrave and North Evington.” They said such “acts of aggression” are detrimental to the “relationships and unity” within the city.
According to a National Health Services report titled “Demographic Profile of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland,” Leicester is home to a roughly equal number of Muslims and Hindus, who respectively account for 7.4% and 7.2% of the local population.