“These targeted attacks were by Islamist extremists and have understandably generated a vast amount of fear, harm and disruption to the wider Hindu community across the UK,” writes Bob Blackman, Conservative Party MP and Chair of the All Paty Parliamentary Group (APPG) of British Hindus, in his letter to UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Blackman also raised the issue in Parliament, calling for protection for the local communities ahead of the Hindu festivals of Navratri and Diwali in the coming weeks.
Lord Dolar Popat, also from the APPG of British Hindus, called on the British Indian minister to engage with the group in order to de-escalate tensions.
“Let us not let a minority of people destroy the progress we have made and that have chosen to attack not only Hindu values but British values of being inclusive and championing religious freedom,” his letter reads.
These are among a snapshot of a flurry of letters and appeals to the Home Secretary for action to combat recent incidents of violence in Leicester and Birmingham.
“We'll work together on this, and I will do everything I can to support communities and our police. Those who bring disorder and thuggery to our streets will face the full force of the law and I thank all those brave police officers for keeping us safe,” said Braverman, following a visit to Leicester this week.
It comes as the Leicestershire Police continues to issue appeals for calm and also reassure the community amid preparations for Hindu festivals coming up.
“We are encouraging people to prepare for Navratri and Diwali as normal. A visible and strengthened police presence will be there for all communities,” the force said in a statement.
MORE LIKE THIS…
Meanwhile, Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby has indicated plans for an independent review into the circumstances behind the weekend's violence.
