Author:
Publication: The Hindu Forum of Britain
Date: September 13, 2005
Hindu leaders led by the Hindu Forum of Britain
and other organisations in the UK were left fuming after the Home Affairs
Select Committee's decision to only accept oral evidence from the Muslim community
on 13th September in its investigation into the aftermath of the recent terrorist
attacks in London. This is despite recent figures released by the Metropolitan
Police showing that more Hindus and Sikhs were victims of hate crime than
Muslims during the backlash that affected the capital.
The Hindu Forum of Britain had earlier submitted
written evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee in which they had expressed
deep concerns at the lack of engagement with the Hindu community by the Home
Office and Police. Over recent times Home Office ministers had been touring
the country in an attempt to meet Muslim community leaders and understand
their concerns. Additionally, the Home Office has announced the formation
of working groups composed almost entirely of Muslim members to tackle extremism.
The Metropolitan Police has recently indicated it is considering extra funding
for a structured engagement programme with the Muslim community.
"We are completely outraged that the
Home Affairs Select Committee informed us they do not have time to take oral
evidence from the Hindu community as part of their investigations into the
aftermath of the London bombings even though we are more vulnerable to hate
crime than even the Muslim community, " said Ramesh Kallidai Secretary
General of the Hindu Forum of Britain. "In our written evidence to the
Select Committee we pointed out that the structured approach to the efforts
of the Home Office and the Police in engaging with the Muslim community is
very commendable. However it is in stark contrast to the manner by which the
Hindu community has been treated. Requests for ministerial meetings to discuss
our concerns have been brushed aside under the pretext of more important 'priorities
and commitments.' A lack of engagement in understanding the affect of increasing
hate crime against our community has left British Hindus feeling more vulnerable
and insecure."
Ratilal Chohan, General Secretary of the Hindu
Council of the North, said: "The Government has not yet indicated how
it proposes to formulate a strategy to address increased hate crime against
our community and the issues surrounding community confidence, safety and
security that arise out of the situation. It is baffling that there has been
no attempt until now to establish a structured approach to understand our
concerns. We are concerned that resources and funding to address these concerns
has not been forthcoming."
Jo Thanki, President of the Hindu Council
of Birmingham, added: "The Government needs to consider a more equitable
methodology of engaging with all affected communities to be more effective
in dealing with issues of extremism and hate crime in our multi-cultural and
multi-faith society."
Chair of Hindu Council of Brent, Venilal Vaghela
said: "As Asians we all look the same and are equally vulnerable but
our concern is that there is no official recognition yet that Hindus and Sikhs
are more vulnerable than the Muslim community. I urge the Government to consult
with other communities to increase levels of hate crime reporting and offer
voluntary support to victims of hate crime."
The Home Secretary will be meeting leaders
of faith communities in Britain later this week, when it is hoped that some
of these issues will be discussed with a view to more equitable engagement
with the diverse communities in Britain.
For more information contact Sanjay Mistry
on 07810 368 772 or Ramesh Kallidai on 07915 383 103 or 07867 837 241.
Editor's Notes:
1. The Hindu Forum of Britain is the representative
umbrella body for British Hindus with formal membership of over 250 Hindu
organisations from different regions and cultural backgrounds in Britain.
The Hindu Forum of Britain has conducted some of the largest community consultation
activities on behalf of the Hindu community to influence Government policy
and runs a number of projects for Hindu youth, women and temples.
2. Although the Hindu Forum is a national
organisation, it has a large regional presence through its membership from
the largest regional umbrella organisations, religious organisations, community
organisations and youth organisations.
3. At the core of the Forum's activities is
a strong belief in the richness and diversity of the Hindu culture, its value
system that encompasses respect for all beings and faiths, and a cultural
heritage that facilitates community cohesion and coexistence.
For more information visit the HFB Website:
HYPERLINK
"http://www.hinduforum.org/"www.hinduforum.org.
