London Mayor Sadiq Khan appealed to the Hindu and Muslim communities to "not allow the politics of the sub-continent (India and Pakistan) to spill over" into the UK. This comes after two incidents between the communities triggered by altercations over an Asia Cup cricket match.
In a Twitter thread, Sadiq Khan urged against letting "current or past tensions, and the wider politics of the region, be used as a pretext to ... stir up trouble on our streets". He said that "British Muslims and British Hindus should always be allies, not adversaries."
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. 5/12
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) September 21, 2022
He condemned the "violence, harassment and intimidation" seen over the last few days in Leicester and more recently in Smethwick, videos of which have gone viral.
According to the BBC, about 100 people gathered outside the Durga Bhawan Temple in Smethwick on Tuesday evening.
Sandwell Police said that there was a pre-planned police presence near the temple where the protest gathering took place. "Fireworks and missiles were thrown towards some of our officers. Thankfully no-one was injured," they said.
Following a protest gathering in Smethwick last night, there was some minor disorder and one person was arrested.
— Sandwell Police (@SandwellPolice) September 21, 2022
We had a pre-planned police presence near the temple in Spon Lane where fireworks and missiles were thrown towards some of our officers.Thankfully no-one was injured. pic.twitter.com/WQleZQItLE
Police added that an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a knife and was in custody for questioning.
"We should be eternally on our guard against extremist forces who seek to stoke up tensions between our communities for their own selfish ends ... 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," the Mayor of London further said.
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. 11/12
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) September 21, 2022
Police said that to prevent an outbreak of violence, stop and search powers have been put in place "until this morning".
"We are continuing to provide a visible police presence, working closely with faith leaders and partners across the community to provide reassurance," they said.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
