The Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities in the UK are fully committed to the path of dialogue and engagement says a new statement released on their behalf.
The Hindu Forum of Britain, Muslim Council of Britain and Network of Sikh organisations pledged to work together against those who incite racial or religious hatred. It adds, "It is our duty to stand united against such views that do not represent the peaceful majority in Britain."
The statement was released in response to a Al-Mahajiroun rally in Trafalgar Square which was later cancelled.
Members of the Al Muhajiroun failed to turn up at Trafalgar Square on July 25 as they had advertised, and instead conducted a smaller rally in Debden.
BNP supporters, football fans and a Sikh youth, who waited for the Al Muhajiroun, dispersed a few hours later without any violent incidents. The Metropolitan Police had a presence of 600 officers in the area to maintain public order.
"The Hindu Forum of Britain had taken a lead in alerting the police, CPS and the Home Office about the dangers of the rally. As a result of the information we shared with them, the Police were able to judge the scale of potential public disorder that could have arisen," explained Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain.
"The scale of offence caused by the Al Muhajiroun's statements against the validity of Hinduism and Sikhism was so immense that the Hindu Forum received hundreds of requests to act upon it," said Arjan Vekaria, Security Secretary of the Hindu Forum.
Harmander Singh, Advisor to the Sikhs in England group said, "The voice of opposition from reasonable people in the community can have a positive effect in silencing those who make provocative statements that endanger community cohesion.
"There is nothing wrong in praising ones own religion, but it is quite another matter to disrespect other religions."
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