RELIGIOUS groups in Southall have joined forces to condemn a far-right group which is staging a protest tomorrow (Saturday) in Luton.
Members of Hindu and Sikh temples in the area have added their signatures to a statement condemning the 'divide and conquer' tactics of the English Defence League (EDL).
The statement, which can be seen on this week's Gazette letters page, is encouraging people from ethnic and religious communities to join a peaceful counter-protest.
It reads: "The EDL has organised events across the country, stirring up hatred, Islamophobia and racism, running riot in some cases and provoking violent attacks on Muslim, black and Asian communities and on mosques and mandirs."
Balwindar Singh Rana, spokesman for Unite Against Fascism, which has organised the statement, said: "The EDL pretend that they are not racist but they are no different than the old National Front and the BNP.
"Now is the time for Sikhs and Hindus to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim brethren and tell the
EDL that their sinister aims of 'divide and rule' will not work. Otherwise it's the Muslims today and it will be all of us tomorrow."
Mr Rana added that representatives from Southall plan to travel to Luton to take part in the UAF protest.
The letter has also been signed by Virendra Sharma, MP for Ealing Southall.
A statement on the English Defence League's website describes the EDL as 'a human rights organisation'.
