THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) strongly condemns the recent racist attacks, intimidation and violence directed against migrants, refugees and ethnic minority communities in Belfast and other parts of the United Kingdom.
Recent disturbances in Belfast saw homes attacked and set alight, families forced to flee for safety, vehicles and public transport burned, and significant damage caused to property. At least 12 police officers were injured and 16 arrests were made in connection with the disorder. Such incidents have no place in a democratic and civilised society.
While any criminal act must be condemned and dealt with according to the law, there can be no justification for targeting innocent individuals, families or communities because of their nationality, ethnicity, religion or immigration status. Criminal acts committed by individuals must never be used as an excuse to blame or attack entire communities.
Recent official figures show that more than 137,000 hate crimes were recorded by police in England and Wales in the year ending March 2025. Race-related hate crime increased by 6 per cent, while anti-Muslim hate crimes rose by 19 per cent. The Indian Workers Association (GB) is also concerned about the impact of rising racism on Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Black, Asian and other minority communities. Community organisations have repeatedly highlighted concerns that hate crimes remain under-reported and that the full extent of the problem is not always reflected in official statistics.
The Association is deeply concerned that far-right organisations and divisive political forces are seeking to exploit tragic incidents to spread fear, hatred and hostility between communities. History has repeatedly shown that racism, fascism and the politics of division bring nothing but suffering and destruction. Many innocent people have lost their lives as a result of racist and extremist violence, while billions of pounds worth of property have been destroyed and countless homes, businesses and vehicles have been attacked and burned.
Sital Singh Gill, General Secretary of the Indian Workers Association (Great Britain), said:
“Britain is a diverse, multicultural and multi-faith society. The overwhelming majority of people in this country reject racism and the politics of division. There is no place in modern Britain for those who seek to spread hatred and turn communities against one another.”
“We must not allow tragic incidents to be exploited for political gain or used as an excuse to target entire communities. The vast majority of migrants, refugees and minority communities are law-abiding people who make valuable contributions to British society.”
“History teaches us that the politics of hatred, racism and scapegoating has brought nothing but suffering, division and destruction. Many innocent people have lost their lives and billions of pounds worth of property have been destroyed as a result of such ideologies. Our future lies not in division, but in unity, equality, mutual respect and social justice for all.”
The Indian Workers Association (GB) calls upon all peace-loving people, trade unions, faith organisations, community groups and democratic institutions to stand together against racism, fascism and the politics of division.
“An injury to one is an injury to all.”
Indian Workers Association (Great Britain)
