Anti-Hindu protest spreads to UK’s Birmingham, hundreds attempt to gherao temple

New Delhi: United Kingdom remains on the boil, more than a fortnight after India-Pak Asia Cup match and is witnessing a spurt in tension between two communities.

Two days ago, a group of Muslim men protested outside a temple in UK’s Leicester town and also forcibly removed the saffron flag, creating wide outrage and drawing strong condemnation from all quarters.

Last evening, violent stir was witnessed in Birmingham town, where a group of protesters tried to gherao Hindu temple in presence of security personnel.

The videos that surfaced on social media showed large crowd marching towards the Durga Bhawan Hindu Centre on Spon Lane. Many protesters were reportedly heard raising ‘Allahu Akbar’ slogans too.

More footage shows the awful treatment British Hindus are somehow expected to tolerate.

Shameful. pic.twitter.com/Zwxj9oND4O

— Wasiq Wasiq (@WasiqUK) September 20, 2022

According to local reports, a group named ‘Apna Muslims’ had appealed to the community to gather for a peaceful protest outside Durga Bhawan temple but it took an ugly turn after their assembled at spot.

In the video, a protester can be seen standing on the temple wall while those inside premises recording the act on camera.

What happened in Leicester

Anti-Hindu protest first erupted in Leicester, where the two communities reportedly engaged in clashes after India thrashed Pakistan in the thrilling match in Asia Cup last month.

In a video that spread on social media like wildfire, a miscreant was seen riding the temple wall and snatching the saffron flag while those in audience cheering for him. The same was confirmed by the UK authorities.

Reports said that the protest outside the temple happened after a ‘provocative’ rally by the other community.

We’re in touch with British Hindu counterparts & can confirm that roving mobs chanting Hinduphobic invectives are terrorizing Hindu neighborhoods in #Leicester, with stabbings & temple attacks.

We condemn the attacks, stand with victims & demand @ukhomeoffice takes strong action https://t.co/npCu2BjUNg

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) September 18, 2022

Till now, 47 people have been arrested over clashes between the two community as tension erupted between over Pakistan’s loss to India in the India Cup encounter.