Indians in UK mourn the victims of Mumbai terror attacks

London, Dec 2 (PTI) People of Indian origin across
Britain poured out in hundreds at different events to pay
tribute to those who lost their lives in the terror attacks in
India's financial hub Mumbai last week.

In Leicester, better known as 'Little India', a large
number of people gathered at an event organised by the
Federation of Indian Muslim Organisations in the Midlands and
the Indian Muslims Association.

Reports say that it was the largest such gathering in the
town since the July 7 blasts in London.

Victims of the Mumbai attacks reportedly included
relatives of a leading local businessman of Indian origin,
Jaffer Kapasi.

Prayers were recited and candles lit to remember the
victims. A book of condolence was also opened at the Leicester
Exhibition Centre in Belgrave, the centre of Asian culture and
business.

Those who gathered at the event included Indian-origin
Lord Mayor of Leicester Manjula Sood, who said: "This was very
important to show the solidarity of our community and that
people of all faiths can come together".

Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for the Federation of Muslim
Organisations, said: "These attacks are an attack on all
communities and we need to stand together against them. It is
not a religious thing – it is cultural and for people of all
or no faith."

George Ninan, a paediatric consultant and head of the
Ethnic Doctors Association Leicester, said he was planning to
organise a meeting for the hundreds of Indian doctors who work
in the city's hospitals.

"I have been glued to the TV screen, and I am determined
to do something. I said to my wife, 'It's time to go back to
India'. When your Motherland is attacked, you want to protect
it," he said.

Tony Coslett, team rector and pioneer priest of the
Parish of the Resurrection, in Belgrave, said: "Any act of
violence affects us all and we are responsible for that and
for peace.

"All of the community should come together and help the
pain of others affected."

Many people also gathered at the Shree Hindu Temple to
pay their respects. PTI