Indian nationals advised to stay vigilant in the UK
Amid escalating violent protests in the UK, the High Commission of India in London has issued a warning to Indian nationals travelling to or residing in the country.
The advisory, issued on Tuesday, urges caution and vigilance following unrest triggered by the tragic stabbing of three girls in Southport last week.
The High Commission emphasized that it is “closely monitoring the situation”. Besides, it also advised Indian citizens to stay informed by following local news and adhering to guidance from local security agencies. They specifically cautioned against visiting areas where protests are currently ongoing.
The unrest began after a knife attack during a children’s dance class in Southport, located in northwest England, resulted in the deaths of three young girls. The incident has since ignited a wave of violence across the country.
British authorities have faced significant challenges in quelling the protests, which have been exacerbated by disinformation spread on social media.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attributed the violence to far-right agitators, warning that those responsible for inciting unrest would face “swift criminal sanctions.”
So far, nearly 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the protests, with some appearing in magistrates’ courts in cities such as Liverpool.
The violence initially erupted shortly after a vigil was held for the victims of the Southport attack.
Misled by false rumours that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker, an enraged crowd targeted the local mosque, setting off a series of retaliatory attacks.
The unrest quickly escalated, with mobs attacking hotels that were housing asylum seekers and other mosques in the area.
In addition to the violence in Southport, unrest also spread to Belfast, Northern Ireland. There rioters set fire to a supermarket and clashed with police, hurling petrol bombs and stones.
As the situation remains volatile, the Indian High Commission’s advisory is a crucial reminder for Indian nationals to remain alert and avoid any areas where protests are taking place.
Image Credit: Stasyan117, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag-map_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg
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