London: In the summer of 2001, Northern England saw riots erupt as British South Asians clashed with police in response to a series of racist attacks. The unrest began in Oldham and quickly spread to Burnley, fueled by far-right groups and accusations of police negligence.
Now, over two decades later, Noor Miah, a secretary at a local mosque, reflects on that turbulent time as he works to manage current tensions in Burnley. Recently, several gravestones in a local cemetery were defaced with paint, prompting concern and emotional reactions from families.
Miah, who was deeply involved in the community during the 2001 riots, is trying to maintain calm among local Muslims. He emphasized that the recent vandalism appears to be a deliberate attempt to incite a reaction from the Muslim community. "It's a very low thing to do. No one deserves this," he told AFP.
The attack has heightened anxiety among Burnley's Muslim residents, especially following recent anti-immigrant riots in nearby towns and cities. This unrest follows a tragic stabbing incident in Southport on July 29, which was wrongly attributed to a Muslim migrant on social media.
Miah is concerned for his family's safety, particularly his wife, who wears a hijab, and has advised his father to pray at home to avoid unnecessary risks. Despite these fears, Miah remains hopeful that violence will not spread to Burnley.
In Sheffield, the impact of the violence is also being felt. Ameena Blake, a community leader and mosque board member, described the atmosphere as one of "massive fear," particularly among Muslim women. The nearby town of Rotherham recently experienced far-right rioters attacking police and setting fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers.
Blake noted that the violence has led many in Sheffield to stay home, with some women choosing not to go out alone. However, despite the fear, she emphasized the resilience of the community and their commitment to continuing normal activities, including attending Friday prayers.
The government has responded by increasing security at places of worship, and there has been a collaborative effort between police and Muslim community leaders to address the current crisis. Blake, who also serves as a chaplain for South Yorkshire police, praised the unexpected support from authorities, noting a significant shift in their approach to handling such issues.
As Friday prayers approach, Muslims in Sheffield are feeling both nervous and determined. "There is fear, but there's also very much a feeling of we need to carry on as normal," Blake said.
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