Leicester, Birmingham violence: S Jaishankar shares concern with UK counterpart on security of Indian diaspora

Last month, “serious disorder” was reported between Hindu and Muslim groups in the eastern England city of Leicester in the wake of an India-Pakistan cricket match. Leicestershire Police had in a statement warned that it will not “tolerate violence or disorder” in the city.

TN National Desk

Updated Sep 23, 2022, 09:41 IST

External Affair Minister S Jaishankar with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly

Photo : Twitter

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and raised his concern over the recent attacks on Hindus and their worship places in Leicester and Birmingham.

In a tweet, Jaishankar said, “Shared my concern about the security and welfare of the Indian community in UK. Welcomed his assurances in that regard.”

Last week, “serious disorder” was reported between Hindu and Muslim groups in the eastern England city of Leicester in the wake of an India-Pakistan cricket match.

Leicestershire Police had in a statement warned that it will not “tolerate violence or disorder” in the city.

“Several incidents of violence and damage have been reported to the police and are being investigated. We are aware of a video circulating showing a man pulling down a flag outside a religious building on Melton Road, Leicester. This appears to have taken place while police officers were dealing with public disorder in the area. The incident will be investigated,” the statement read.

The Indian High Commission in London issued a strong condemnation of the attacks on Indian diaspora communities in Leicester on Monday.

Days after the Leicester clash, a “minor disorder” was witnessed during a protest outside a Hindu temple in the city of Birmingham. The protest was reportedly called by local Muslim groups against a planned visit of a Hindu activist from India to the temple.

In videos, circulated on social media, several groups of masked men were seen shouting and hurling items outside Durga Bhawan temple on Spon Lane in Smethwick area of the West Midlands city.

“Following a protest gathering in Smethwick last night (September 20), there was some minor disorder and one person was arrested,” West Midlands Police said in a statement.

“We had a pre-planned police presence near the temple in Spon Lane where fireworks and missiles were thrown towards some of our officers. Thankfully no-one was injured,” the police said.

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