British Sikh Strategy in the Aftermath of Recent Riots
Far-right violence which spread across the UK has been stopped by law enforcement for the time being. Violence can never be justified. This time it was triggered by misinformation spread through social media about an incident in Southport. The background of earlier mass demonstrations against Israel-Gaza war is relevant.
On Monday 29 July, 2024, three girls aged six, seven and nine were fatally stabbed and ten others injured while attending a Taylor Swift-themed dance event. The 17-year-old male who was arrested was neither an asylum seeker nor had any Islamist connection as claimed by false rumours in the social media.
According to a professor in the history of radicalism and extremism at Northampton university, Paul Jackson, instead of a single entity that could be banned or sanctioned, police now faced an amorphous adversary, of splinter groups and personalities, who find common cause and whose capacity to organise spontaneously, has been greatly enhanced by social media.
Last weekend, anti-racist demonstrations followed those by the extreme right. The situation seems to be under control. However, from a British Sikh viewpoint, we need to understand genuine concerns of the majority community about threats to the British way of life. We chose this country as our home due to opportunities, rule of law and a general sense of British fair play. We won our own rights as a distinct community incrementally and, sometimes, through the law courts.
The overall message from recent riots is that the whole country is shifting to the right and adopting an anti-immigration stance, especially against minority communities. It is a matter of concern that an earlier YouGov poll revealed that one in 14 Britons are actually sympathetic towards the rioters and believe the unrest is completely justified. It is alarming that nine per cent regarded the protesters as patriots! More than a quarter of people hold a particular religion responsible for the riots. It is little relief to know that two-thirds of the population believe the disorder is caused by rioters, thugs, racists and the far-right.
In future, despite legal restriction, socio-political scholars are likely to discuss real issues more openly. It is a positive sign that Sikhs are joining different parties. It was interesting to note that there was at least one full identity Sikh with British army background who stood as a candidate for the Reform Party.
Extreme religious ideologies will be continually challenged. In response, it is for religions to integrate successfully with the majority way of life while pushing towards a more liberal society which accepts diversity as added value.
The colonial experience of Britain is relevant for minorities. One example was the Parliamentary speeches by MPs and Lords which showed an understanding of the historical significance of the Sikh turban during the passing of the relevant legislation (** Turban Victory by late MP Sydney Bidwell)
The role of religious teachers and preachers needs to be continually kept under review to ensure harmonious living in a plural society. Religious idiom and allegory needs interpretation in terms of 21st Century world. The performance of religious preachers will be assessed in terms of success in conveying their religious message which covers the issues and concerns raised in current discussions and debates. Religion must continue to remain relevant to the times or expect to be challenged.
Sikhi, based on universal values and Sarbat da bhalaa, has no difficulty in showing the way.
** The Sikh Missionary Society UK:
https://www.sikhmissionarysociety.org/sms/smspublications/theturbanvictory/
Gurmukh Singh OBE
Principal Civil Servant retd (UK)