India-Pakistan conflict ‘could spill onto Britain's streets'
The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan could culminate in clashes on British streets, an MP has warned.
MPs and leaders of both the Muslim and Hindu faiths have called for calm amid fears that mounting tensions between the two nuclear powers in Asia could trigger disorder in the UK.
Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and a Pakistani-Kashmiri, said he expects widespread instability in the region to lead to protests in Britain.
'Many communities are feeling the distress emanating from the region, and it is crucial for emotions to not run high,' he said. 'British Pakistanis, Kashmiris and Indians are all worrying for loved ones overseas at present, and it is vital that we do not compare or diminish the relative pain being felt by either community.
'I expect there to be protests and rallies, but I appeal for people to stay calm.
'It is imperative that our communities come together to promote the principles of humanity and not division, and vital that the Government does its utmost to broker an immediate end to hostilities.'
In 2022, Leicester and Smethwick saw numerous clashes between predominantly young men – some wearing balaclavas and hurling racial taunts – as religious violence flared following a cricket match between India and Pakistan.
Hindus and Muslims blamed one another for the disorder, much of it also fuelled by inflammatory and inaccurate posts on social media.
Vinod Popat, a convener for the Hindu Community Organisations Group set up after that unrest and which represents about 50 Hindu groups in Leicester, called for restraint.
'When things like this in the region happen emotions run high and it can spill out into this country, especially among the young on both sides,' he said.
'Here in Leicester and the rest of the UK we need to live in harmony and there has to be cohesion.
'But, whatever happens in south-east Asia between India and Pakistan means there's apprehension that it could have an impact on the streets here.'
Shockat Adam, the independent MP for Leicester South, said there were 'genuine fears' that the military clashes between the two nuclear powers could culminate in unrest in the UK.
'Act responsibly'
'The situation in the region is alarming and there is a genuine fear that tensions from the region could spill into the streets here in Leicester,' he said.
'A great deal of work has been done by faith and community groups to address the issues that ignited previous troubles.
'The onus is on everyone to act responsibly and not take to the streets.
'I have reached out to the police, faith groups and community organisations to promote peace and unity in our vibrant communities, so we can work collaboratively to ensure we do not see any repeat of the troubles in 2022.'
Anil Bhanot, the managing trustee at the Hindu Council UK, said: 'There are always some concerns when something happens in the subcontinent between Pakistan and India.
'We want calm'
'But I hope the tensions remain in that region and don't spill over here. We want calm in this country, we don't want it to flare up again like it did in Leicester.'
A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it recognised the 'profound impact' international events can have on diaspora communities, adding how recent demonstrations featuring 'heightened emotions' had been observed 'among British Indian and Pakistani communities'.
Maswood Ahmed, the deputy secretary general of the MCB, said: 'Here in the UK, we must unite, upholding our shared values of peace and respect.
'The MCB urges community leaders to take proactive steps in working with local authorities to safeguard public safety and uphold community harmony.'
A protest held in London last month outside the Pakistan High Commission was being investigated by police after claims that a Pakistani diplomat was seen making a throat-slitting gesture.
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