The ‘atmosphere of fear’ following recent national riots has been addressed by local politicians.
Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley, addressed an interfaith meeting of Muslim and Sikh community leaders at the Ramgarhia Sabah Gurdwara in Earley last week.
In a welcoming address, Surjit Singh Jutla, chair of the Gurdwara trustees, mentioned that there is close contact and cooperation among various communities in Reading and Woodley, andasked all to continue and strengthen this trend.
The meeting was called among rumours of planned disorder following unrest and riots across England this month, leading to fears for community safety.
Baldev Singh Sian, a trustee of the Gurdwara, said that due to rumours of potential rioting in Reading, the Ramgarhia was not able to supply food to homeless people during the first weekend of August.
Hatice Yalcin from the dialogue society of the Turkish community spoke candidly about how the disorder led her to question her inclusion in the community and had led to a feeling of ‘being different’.
She voiced her fear of leaving the house and being targeted for being a Muslim and wearing a headscarf.
Ms Yang addressed the concerns raised by those present at the meeting, and spoke about the importance of community cohesion.
She expressed her belief in the importance of community belonging where issues should be discussed in a constructive way instead of a divisive one.
She said: “Community engagement and cohesion is the key.
“There is no evidence of planned violence in Reading, and we should carry on with our daily activities and not disrupt our lives.
“People may change their day-to-day lives by believing social media rumours which are aimed to stoke fear and division. It would be a shame to give in to what they want.”
Admonishing those who would seek to divide people, councillor Majid Nagra said: “Don’t allow them to change you. If they change you, then this is their victory.”
Wokingham MP Clive Jones also echoed Yuan’s sentiments when he visited the Wokingham Islamic Centre in Woosehill for Friday prayers.
Imam Hafiz Anees, addressing the more than 200 worshippers, expressed his sincere thanks to the Police and emergency services for their handling of safety and security during the recent disturbances.
Clive added: “The recent lawlessness must be stopped, and those responsible be made to face the full force of the law.
“It was heartworking to see so many people from all backgrounds standing peacefully in solidarity against racism, islamophobia and violence.”
