Minority communities across Britain were in a state of shock on Saturday following the third right wing extremist bombing in London in the space of two weeks. The Indian community in Southall, west London, are so concerned they’ve organised their own patrols. On Saturday, over a hundred volunteers took to the streets to make sure they don’t become the next victims of the neo-nazi bombing campaign. The people of Southall have taken the law into their own hands – with the consent of the local police. Organised by the Southall Monitoring Group, they have put together their own patrols of the area, one which many believe could be the next target of the neo-nazi attackers. As well as keeping a vigilant eye, they distributed leaflets to recruit more volunteers. On Saturday, some one hundred people took part in the patrols. The scheme has also served to raise awareness in the local community. It was all the idea of Suresh Grover who denies accusations that they are mere vigilantes. SOUNDBITE: (English) “This is not vigilantism. We are not carrying guns, we are not targeting a specific race that we feel are a problem. The attack by the fascist groups is an attack on all of us. We live and work here, we shop in this area. Many people have a very great deal of pride in being part of Southall or part of the community. Surely it’s better for us to be galvanised in a very peaceful way and also assist in ensuring that people feel safe coming out on the streets. If they do not come out to shop it will be a massive victory for these fascists.” SUPER CAPTION: Suresh Grover, Southall Monitoring Group The threat of racist attack has helped bring the people of Southall closer together. It seemed no one was too young to play a role in making their homes safer. Suresh Grover believes this show of unity will eventually beat the bombers. SOUNDBITE: (English) “One of the key ways we can defeat this form of terrorism is by the community coming out together in a very united fashion having as many eyes and ears as possible so that the terrorist, racist terrorists, will be absolutely scared of coming to Southall to bomb it.” SUPER CAPTION: Suresh Grover, Southall Monitoring Group This is the thriving heart of Southall. The shops and markets form a focal point which would normally be packed on a Saturday. But despite the patrols, many locals were simply too scared to come out. After three recent threats against the Southall Monitoring Group, many people believe there is little they can do. It’s this kind of apathy which is inspiring a lot of young people to get involved. SOUNDBITE: (English) “They feel they are in danger if they come to Southall. You know they are scared to come out of their houses, you know because of the bombing. I don’t see why we should show them that you are scared. We will stand up for what is rightfully ours.” SUPER CAPTION: Nimisha Kaur, volunteer The Metropolitan Police were also keeping a high profile on Saturday. They have been stung by criticism they haven’t done enough to protect the people of Southall. At the moment the presence of police and volunteer patrols seem to be working. It’s hoped that together they can defy the bombers and deter them from making another attack.
