LONDON: British police said on Tuesday they had arrested 47 people in connection with a riot in the eastern city of Leicester in England and police forces were on patrol to prevent more such incidents. Violent incidents took place in the city over the weekend. Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner in London had issued a statement strongly condemning the violence against the Indian community and sought protection for those affected. Leicester police say a 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon during clashes in the city.
Local resident Amos Noronha was arrested from the scene on Saturday and produced before Leicester Magistrates’ Court. There was sufficient evidence against him on the basis of which the charges were framed. Rob Nixon, the temporary chief constable of Leicestershire Police, said the action showed a serious crime had been committed and that he would remain in prison. “We will not tolerate this nuisance in our city,” he said. According to Nixon, police forces are deployed and information and reports are being processed and people have been assured of their safety.
He said, “We are working to keep you safe and arrest the accused. Those who have harmed our communities will be brought to justice.” According to police, Hindu-Muslim groups clashed after the India-Pakistan cricket match in Dubai as part of the Asia Cup late last month. Police have described it as a ‘serious nuisance’. Police said that police patrolling is going on in the eastern part of the city so that there is no incident of disturbance. A total of 47 people have been arrested in connection with the riots in the city, some of them from other cities including Birmingham, he said.
Police said it has called in police forces from the surrounding areas. The right to disperse the people and to intercept and search the people has been used to restore peace in the area. Videos circulating on social media show a temple flag being lowered and glass bottles being thrown. “We strongly condemn the violence against the Indian community in Leicester and the vandalism of Hindu religious complexes and symbols,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement issued on Monday.
It said, “We have taken this matter vigorously with the UK authorities and call for immediate action against those involved in these attacks.” We call upon the authorities to provide protection to the affected people.” Migrant group Insight UK has claimed that most of the incidents of violence were due to rumors and fake news circulated on social media.
Leicester Mayor Peter Soulsby said things were being distorted and shared on social media. He alleged that people from outside are instigating violence in the city. Hindu Council UK said in a statement, “We condemn the incident of damage to Hindu temples. These are places of worship and they should not be disrespected.” According to the statement, “We call upon the Hindu community to work with the authorities to maintain peace. Leicester is known for its cultural diversity, unity, and solidarity among communities.”
