The British Hindu community has expressed its deep concern over the way events unfolded in the aftermath of the Asia Cup cricket clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank you, the community. Together, across the week, we have continued to work together to call for calm. Your help has been invaluable in reducing concerns and tensions and keeping our community safe. Thank you," said Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon of Leicestershire Police on September 12.
“It is now extremely important that we continue to work together and pull together in this way to maintain this calm. This includes continuing to share positive messages and ensuring we are discouraging any speculation on social media," he urged.
It followed unrest in the eastern England city following clashes in the wake of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match at the end of last month. Diaspora group Insight UK issued a review of the events on social media as they unfolded since the end of August and accused vested interests of inflaming communal tensions.
The Council of Faiths, the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) and local charity Shree Lohana Mahajan, representing Hindus and Jains in Leicester, have all raised concerns around the tensions.
"It is critical that we do not allow the actions of a minority group of people to cause disruption or disunity," the Council of Faiths said in a statement.