Clashes have broken out between Hindu-Muslim communities in Leicester, UK, Sunday. According to the latest reports on social media, the spark point was the protest march on Saturday afternoon.
Several videos have emerged online with people from both sides throwing glass bottles and other things at each other while police try to control the uncontrolled mob. Some people are even seen carrying sticks and batons. Local police call it a continuation of the clashes following the India-Pakistan cricket match earlier this month.
Meanwhile, several social media reports are confirming that the Hindu mob chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ while passing through the Muslim-majority area. The slogan is used by RSS and Hindutva ideologists in India who force minorities to chant these Hindu religious slogans.
Hindu mob also chanted slogans like, “Jai Shri Ram,” Hindi for “hail Lord Ram” or “victory to Lord Ram,” as they marched through a Muslim majority area in Leicester. This chant has become synonymous with anti-Muslim violence in India, reported journalist Aina J Khan of The Guardian.
Suleman Nagdi, of the Leicester-based Federation of Muslim Organisations, told the BBC: “What we have seen on the streets is very alarming.
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Multiple witnesses and videos confirm a group of Hindu men were chanting, “Jai Shri Ram,” Hindi for “hail Lord Ram" or "victory to Lord Ram,” as they marched through a Muslim majority area in Leicester. This chant has become synonymous with anti-Muslim violence in India. https://t.co/061wokdtRF
— Aina J. Khan (@ainajkhan) September 18, 2022
Some footage of my interview with helmet man, that snowballed into a shouting match with an RSS member. Compared to the palpable aggression and fear that hung around Leicester yesterday, this paled in comparison, although it is a concerning hazard of being a journalist. pic.twitter.com/eQU9Yo4KFo
— Aina J. Khan (@ainajkhan) September 18, 2022
There was a peaceful gathering of mostly young Muslims in Belgrave road today, but the anger was palpable, and anxiety hung on the mouths of local residents, who looked out their front doors with concern after a night of chaos they hope will not return.
— Aina J. Khan (@ainajkhan) September 18, 2022
Riots continue in Leicester, England. Hindu far right groups shouting ‘Jai Sri Ram’ and attacking Muslims on the streets. pic.twitter.com/97fTIBsBiX
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) September 18, 2022
Hindu right wing diaspora march while Muslims were praying has led to a clash in Leicester, UK. The Indian disease has spread to the UK. pic.twitter.com/Odk5jfhGOk
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) September 17, 2022
“There have been problems in the community since the India and Pakistan cricket match, and while that game often sparks gatherings, they have not in the past turned this ugly.
“We need calm – the disorder has to stop, and it has to stop now. Some very dissatisfied young men have been causing havoc.
Hindutva propagandists are pushing the "Islamist extremist" narrative.
Local Police officer admits the Muslims have been "peaceful".
Don't believe the social media bs. Listern to local eye witnesses. #Leicester #HindutvaTerror https://t.co/TP7IpLwNc0
— Robert Carter (@Bob_cart124) September 18, 2022
“We need to get the message out that this must end and try to do this through parents and grandparents talking to their sons.”
A member of the Muslim community says the young men of the community came out to defend themselves because police are failing to protect them from the constant attacks of Hindu men that started on Saturday following the unplanned protest.