The Muslim community living in the UK is living in fear and anxiety due to anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant riot violence. Many have stopped leaving their homes in fear of their lives. Religious establishments in cities known for their communal harmony have also seen violence in migrant centres. Muslims complain that extremists have created a situation that has been provoked. Soon, they hope that peaceful coexistence will be ensured in the UK again.
Al Rahma Mosque is the largest mosque in Liverpool. Most of the doors of the mosque, which was bustling with pious pilgrims even a week ago, are now closed. Security forces have increased in fear of attacks, young Muslim volunteers are also guarding the mosque. Meanwhile, another ancient mosque, the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, has been closed due to fears of violence.
Liverpool has a reputation for the coexistence of local and minority communities. But over the past week, the kind of violence and rioting that has been raging across the UK has spread to the city. Several religious institutions, migrant centers were vandalized and looting is going on in shops and businesses.
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Migrants, Muslims and minority citizens are spending their days in fear and panic. Many people do not come out of the house in such a situation. Victims said, I was born in Liverpool. This is where I grew up. I love this city. But what is happening now in the whole UK including Liverpool, the way looting and rioting is going on is scary.
The victims also said that our neighbors are standing by in this difficult time. Someone comes and says, I will do your shopping. Someone says to inform him of any need. He does not support what is happening in the country now. But they know it is not safe for me to go out now in this situation.
The picture is now the same across the UK. The country is witnessing the worst riots in a century. The situation is not fully under control by deploying hundreds of policemen. Allegedly, the extremists incited the peaceful cities to riot. Victims say what is happening is definitely racism. But there was no such racism in Liverpool. People of all religions and castes lived here together. Never seen such a situation here before. Some people are trying to create division among people by incitement.
The riots were sparked by the stabbing death of three children at a dance school in Southport, UK. Anti-immigration hardliners took to the streets after rumors spread that the attackers were Muslim immigrants. However, it was later revealed that the attacker was a British citizen.