At least 47 people have been arrested in an operation to “deter further disorder” in Leicester, England, as the city deals with unrest since Saturday amid tensions involving mainly young men of Muslim and Hindu communities.
As per Guardian, almost half of the 18 people arrested after violence erupted between Hindu and Muslim communities in Leicester over the weekend came from outside the county.
How did it all start?
The clashes began after a cricket match between India and Pakistan on August 28 in Leicester. Tensions between groups from India and Pakistan erupted right after the match, leading to a clash.
In the days that followed reports of more clashes, rumours and speculation were spread on social media. The rumours were spread by miscreants from both sides, blaming the other group for the fights. Additionally, followers from one religious background accused the other religious group of violence.
As a result of the rumours, people from outside of Leicester decided to visit the city and participate in more protests over the weekend, which led to further unrest.
Community leaders in the city have called for “peace and engagement”.
The recent disturbance in the city is unprecedented.
Suleman Nagdi, of the Leicester-based Federation of Muslim Organisations, told the BBC, that cricket matches between India and Pakistan lead to unhappiness among supporters, matters have not turned so ugly in the past.
He urged calm and warned that “The disorder has to end and it has to stop now.” He described what was happening on the streets as “extremely frightening.”
