On Saturday, conflicts between Hindus and Muslims were reported in Leicester, United Kingdom, prompting police to urge the people to maintain peace. Tensions between the two populations erupted during the August 28 Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan. Following the event, 27 people were detained in a series of disturbances, according to the police.
The violence erupted as a result of an unexpected protest by one group, while a second group assembled in huge numbers. As various objects, including bottles, were thrown, police stood between the two groups to prevent violence from escalating. While Muslim groups screamed “Allahu Akbar,” Hindus chanted “Jai Shree Ram.” Since August 28, violence has erupted three times in Leicester, UK, among Hindu and Muslim groups.
An outbreak of disruption was recorded in sections of East Leicester on Saturday, according to Temporary Chief of Police Rob Nixon, as quoted by the BBC. Violent street movements were captured on video and circulated on social media.
A local woman told the BBC that it “was like thousands leaving a football game.” The route was blocked by cops. Officers actually blocked Uppingham Road while standing shoulder to shoulder.
The member of parliament for Leicester, Claudia Webb, urged the populace to follow the police’s advice and keep the peace.
She tweeted, “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”.
According to social media reports, the weekend’s incident was reportedly started by a protest march. Video from the scene showed police trying to control two different crowds as glass bottles were hurled, and some individuals were seen brandishing sticks and batons.
In a video posted on Twitter, acting chief constable of Leicestershire Police Rob Nixon stated, “We have had numerous reports of an outbreak of disorder in parts of the east Leicester area of the city.”
The MP also sent Nixon a letter. “In Leicester, we remain vigilant to incitement to hate, whilst working hard to bring our communities together and end race and religious violence Leicester is one of the most diverse cities in the UK. Our unity is our strength My letter to the Chief Constable of Leicestershire,” read a different tweet.
He stated, “We have got officers there, we are taking control of the situation, there are additional officers en route and dispersal powers, stop search powers, have been authorised. Please do not get involved. We are calling for calm.”
According to the local police force, a considerable number of its officers arrived as stop and search and dispersion powers were authorised in an effort to restore peace to the vicinity. Numerous people were searched, and two males are still being held after being suspected of possessing a bladed object and conspiring to cause a violent disturbance, respectively.
According to a statement from Leicestershire Police, “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.”
“We are continuing to call for dialogue and calm with support from local community leaders. We will not tolerate violence or disorder in our city. A significant police operation will remain in the area in the coming days,” said the police.
Following a few days of violence reported to be caused by local Hindu and Muslim groups in the wake of the India against Pakistan match in Dubai on August 28, police issued similar dispersal orders earlier this month.
