Kamal Ghorui
British Conservative MP Bob Blackman has said that those behind the disruption of a Holi celebration in north-west London earlier this month are “still largely at large”, even as he flagged fresh incidents of violence targeting Hindu and Sikh communities in nearby areas.In a post on X, Blackman said that despite raising the March 3 Harrow incident in the UK Parliament, tensions have not eased on the ground.“Since I raised this in Parliament, the violence has not stopped… The perpetrators of the original Holi attack remain largely at large,” he said, pointing to recent attacks on businesses and individuals in Wembley.The MP had earlier told Parliament that a group of around 20 individuals disrupted a Holi celebration, with only one arrest made so far, and called for accountability from the Metropolitan Police.
What happened at the Harrow holi event
The incident Blackman referred to took place on March 3 during a Holika Dahan celebration at the Harrow Civic Centre car park, attended by nearly 1,000 people.According to organisers, the event turned tense when a small group of youths allegedly interfered with the proceedings by pulling out sound system wires and damaging equipment. They reportedly returned shortly after with a larger group of 15–20 individuals, some with face coverings, and created further disruption by throwing objects and clashing with security before fleeing.Police were called to the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray.
Issue raised in UK Parliament
Raising the matter in the House of Commons earlier, Blackman described the attackers as “thugs” who had come from a nearby mosque and attempted to disrupt a peaceful religious celebration.He requested the UK government to step in and reassure communities, warning that rising global tensions were beginning to reflect locally.“It is our responsibility as politicians to cool things down,” he said, calling for measures to ensure people can celebrate festivals “in peace and harmony”.Responding to the concern, UK government minister Alan Campbell condemned religious hatred but refrained from commenting directly on the case, citing an ongoing police investigation.
Fresh violence in Wembley
In his latest remarks, Blackman also referred to a series of alleged attacks in Wembley, where Hindu and Sikh-owned businesses have reportedly been targeted in recent days.Local accounts describe multiple incidents, including vandalism at restaurants on Ealing Road, assaults on individuals, and a stabbing. In one such incident, a group reportedly stormed a restaurant, damaging property and attacking those present. In another, shopkeepers said masked youths vandalised stores and fled before police arrived.Community members have expressed concern that the same group behind the Harrow disruption could be linked to these incidents, however, this remains unconfirmed.
