Here's something from the ground zero--from the Mayor of London. *My grandparents were from India. My parents from Pakistan. I was born and raised in London and am proud to call Britain my home.*
*But like many Londoners who can trace their family history to different parts of the world, I feel a strong connection with my heritage, which means both India and Pakistan are dear to me and hold a special place in my heart.* *That’s why I’ve found the ugly scenes in Leicester and Smethwick over the last week so heart-breaking. British Muslims and British Hindus have far more in common than that which divides us.* *We should be eternally on our guard against extremist forces who seek to stoke up tensions between our communities for their own selfish ends.* *For a generation, Asian families have lived side by side in the UK as friends and neighbours - not allowing the politics of the sub-continent to spill over here at home or to affect our relationships.* *I remember the solidarity I had growing up in London with my Asian Hindu and Sikh neighbours, who along with Muslim, White and Black Londoners all stood together against the far-right of the 80s and early 90s.* *The Asian immigrant story in London - and the sense of common struggle - is shared by people who have links to all parts of the sub-continent.* *We cannot let current or past tensions, and the wider politics of the region, be used as a pretext to break that unity or stir up trouble on our streets.* *What we have seen in the Midlands in recent days is completely unacceptable, and I wholeheartedly condemn all violence, harassment and intimidation.* *Everyone in the UK and around the world should have the right to live in peace and to practice their religion without fear or threats.* *British Muslims and British Hindus should always be allies, not adversaries. And any attempts to drive a wedge between our communities by a small minority should be called out and resisted by all. Now is the time for us to rekindle and strengthen our bonds of solidarity.* *We need the silent majority to continue raising its voice and deploring this disorder.* *Together, let’s take a stand against all forms of hatred, intolerance and extremism - wherever it is found.* (Ref.: <https://twitter.com/MayorofLondon/status/1572655594229604352>.) Had got to see a video clip capturing a Hindu mob entering a street -- descending upon and manhandling the Muslims owners of small street-side shops--and the police rushing to control them. Was sort of stunned the way the police tried to do their duty in a rather non-coercive manner--just trying to push people away. Most likely, they didn't carry any guns either. Of course, for that matter, even the "violence" of the marauding mob was almost of rather benign nature; the shops were not vandalised and blood was not spilled. Let alone hurling of brickbats and cracking of skulls. How so hugely different. What immediately came to my mind was an anecdote relating to Gandhi. A (White?) reporter had asked him: What's your view on Western civilisation? Gandhi replied: That would have been a good idea. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/greenyouth/CACEsOZjT0Xeybt5DweRpeVHnk4va8Oq0gsjisbAijeEgH3tnFw%40mail.gmail.com.
