India advises visitors to UK to stay cautious amid rising violence

The High Commission of India in London has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals in the UK, urging them to “stay vigilant and exercise due caution” due to ongoing violent clashes targeting immigrants and asylum seekers. This advisory, disseminated via the High Commission’s social media channels, follows a series of disturbances in parts of the UK over the past week, raising concerns about the safety of Indian citizens and other immigrant communities.

The advisory comes after a tragic incident involving the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, northwest England. The attack, which took place during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, has sparked widespread concern and misinformation. Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old from Cardiff with Rwandan heritage, has been charged with the murders. False social media claims initially labeled him as a recent asylum seeker, which fueled tensions and led to further unrest.

What’s behind the anti-immigrant violence that has exploded across Britain? Here’s a look

Indian nationals in the UK are advised to stay informed and cautious, avoiding areas where protests are underway. The advisory stresses the importance of following local news and official security advisories. For those needing urgent assistance, the High Commission has provided emergency contact details for India House at Aldwych, London: +44-2078369147 and inf.london@mea.gov.in.

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The UK has seen a series of violent incidents, including clashes between protest groups in cities such as Birmingham and Plymouth. In Belfast, Northern Ireland, a man is in serious condition following a suspected hate crime, and police officers in Darlington were attacked with bricks. The British government is taking measures to address the situation, including accelerating plans to manage prison capacity in anticipation of a rise in detainees due to the riots.

Neil Basu, the former head of counter-terrorism policing, described the events as “serious acts of violence designed to cause terror to a section of our community.” He criticized social media companies for not adequately addressing misinformation, urging advertisers to hold these platforms accountable for their role in spreading false narratives.The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology are investigating the involvement of foreign state actors in amplifying misinformation about the riots. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to deploy a “standing army” of specialist officers to quell the violence, which he characterized as “far-right thuggery.” Despite calls from Labour MPs and opposition members to recall Parliament from its summer recess to debate the issue, Starmer emphasized the government’s focus on restoring order.The riots were triggered by the stabbing incident in Southport and were exacerbated by false social media claims about the suspect’s status. The Indian High Commission’s advisory underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and informed as authorities work to address the violence and misinformation fueling the unrest. Indian nationals in the UK are urged to exercise caution and prioritize their safety during this turbulent period.