Leicester Clashes Report: Recently there were violent clashes between Muslims and Hindus in the city of Leicester, UK. Following an investigation into the matter, a UK-based think tank has rubbished claims that RSS and Hindutva groups participated in the violent clashes. Charlotte Littlewood, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, concluded after conducting interviews with both Muslim and Hindu residents, compiling social media evidence, video evidence, police reports and statements.
Contrary to press reports at the time, Littlewood stated that the investigation did not find Hindutva groups active in Leicester, but instead misrepresented the issue of a smaller community as the issue of Hindutva groups. It found that the false allegations of RSS and Hindutva organizations operating in the UK put the wider Hindu community in danger with hatred, vandalism and assault.
fake story fabricated
The report said that some group had fabricated a fake story of Hindutva, RSS terrorism. This investigation revealed that some members of the Hindu community in Leicester imposed a voluntary curfew. Some relocated to live with family or friends, until they felt safe to return. While others were unable to return to work due to fear of their personal safety.
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Violence started after the match
In fact, violent clashes started in Leicestershire, UK after India won the Asia Cup T20 match against Pakistan on 28 August. In a similar incident, a crowd turned violent outside the Durga Bhavan temple in Smethwick, United Kingdom in Birmingham on 20 September, raising fears of a clash.
What else was said in the report?
The HJS report said that there was unrest between ethnic minority groups in Leicester from 4-20 September. This included vandalism of property, attacks and attacks on places of worship. It has been told in the report that on September 17, Hindus and Muslims took out marches in the city in which slogans were raised. Several people from both the communities were arrested for possessing weapons. The Indian High Commission had also condemned the violence against the Indian community in Leicester and demanded immediate action against those involved in the attacks.
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