Hindu-Muslim community leaders make joint appeal for harmony as UK police make 47 arrests in Leicester
Amos Noronha, from the local area, appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court after his arrest during Saturday's incident and was quickly charged due to "overwhelming evidence".
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FollowLeaders of the Hindu and Muslim communities in the eastern England city of Leicester on Tuesday presented a united front as they appealed for harmony in the wake of violent clashes following an India-Pakistan cricket match, which has led to 47 arrests.
A statement, read out by Pradyumna Das, President of the city's ISKCON Temple, joined by community leaders outside a mosque in the city to express "sadness" over the violence which escalated over the weekend. The leaders of the two communities demanded that the "inciters of hatred" leave Leicester alone and called for an immediate cessation of provocation and violence, both in thought and behaviour.
"Our message to anyone that sows disharmony between us is clear: we will not let you succeed. We ask all to respect the sanctity of religious places, both mosques and mandirs alike, whether provocation with loud music, flag bearing, derogatory chants or physical attacks against the fabric of worship. This is not acceptable nor upheld by our faiths," the statement said.
"We are a strong family, we will work together to resolve whatever concern may arise, we do not need to call up any assistance from outside our city. Leicester has no place for any foreign extremist ideology that causes division," he said. He also highlighted that Hindus and Muslims have lived "harmoniously" in the city for over half a century.
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Meanwhile, Leicestershire Police said a 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon during clashes in the city.
Amos Noronha, from the local area, appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court after his arrest during Saturday's incident and was quickly charged due to "overwhelming evidence".
"The sentence is reflective of the fact that this was a serious offence and he has ended up with time in prison," said Rob Nixon, Temporary Chief Constable at Leicestershire Police.
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It follows a weekend of what the police termed as "serious disorder" and "significant aggression" as Hindu and Muslim groups clashed in the wake of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match in Dubai at the end of last month.
The force said it had to be supported by resources from a number of neighbouring police forces, including the mounted police unit, as the clashes escalated over the weekend. Dispersal and stop and search powers have been used repeatedly to restore calm. There were social media videos circulating showing a temple flag being ripped out and glass bottles being hurled.
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