UK Police Arrest 47 For Hindu-Muslim Clashes, Temple Violence

Leicester | Updated: 20 September, 2022 2:03 pm IST

As many as 47 people have been arrested in connection with violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim men, which included the vandalisation of a Hindu temple in Leicester city of England.

The communal clashes that took place over the weekend were the latest in a series of incidents like communally-provocative chants, bottle throwing and mob clashes. Hindus and Muslims came face to face after the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup series on August 28.

Normalcy has returned to the area, the Leicester Police said.

After the communal violence, the police and local leaders have called for peace and restraint. On Monday, the police reportedly used its “stop and search” powers to deter people from indulging in violence further.

Authorities had to reportedly deploy a portion of the police force meant for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Police patrol parties carried out marches to bring back stability in the area.

“Proactive patrols have continued throughout the evening in East Leicester with no reports of disorder. Our policing operations continue in East Leicester tonight with proactive patrols. The situation is calm,” Leicester Police said on Tuesday morning.

India has strongly condemned the vandalisation of the Hindu temple in east Leicester and sought action against the perpetrators at the earliest.

“We have strongly taken up this matter with the UK authorities and have sought immediate action against those involved in these attacks. We call on the authorities to provide protection to the affected people,” the Indian High Commission in London said on Monday.

“Hindu Mandir vandalised in Leicester by Muslim community fanatics. They have burnt the religious flags and have been trying to keep Hindus hostage inside including little children. Cars and other Hindu-owned properties have been toppled and vandalised too,” said Rashmi Samant, former students’ union president at the University of Oxford and Hindu Rights activist.

Known for its multicultural environment and diverse population, Leicester is located to the northeast of Birmingham and south of Nottingham, around 165 km from the capital London.