Derry Indian community leaders call for political leadership and unity in wake of racist violence
Two leading members of the Indian community in Derry have called for political leadership and unity after racist violence convulsed parts of the North this week.
Dr. Mukesh Chugh and Mr. Amerjit ‘Simon’ Nagra said the local community was deeply saddened and concerned by Monday night’s stabbing incident in North Belfast and the subsequent racist street disturbances in the city and elsewhere.
They expressed solidarity with the victim Stephen Ogilvie who lost an eye in the incident.
Deep concern was also expressed by the two men over the ‘retaliatory actions, intimidation, and attacks directed at individuals, families, homes, and businesses following the incident’.
Dr. Chugh, a consultant anaesthetist at Altnagelvin, condemned the targeting of an entire community by racist mobs.
“Collective blame only creates further victims and risks undermining the values of fairness, justice, and mutual respect that are fundamental to our society,” he said.
Mr. Nagra, a well-known businessman and educator, added: “The Indian community, alongside many other diverse communities across Northern Ireland, has contributed positively to the economic, social, and cultural life of this region for many years.
"Our members include healthcare professionals, business owners, students, academics, and workers who are proud to call Northern Ireland home.”
The two men urged the public to ‘remain calm, reject misinformation and rumours, and allow the police and justice system to carry out their duties without interference’.
Social media speculation and inflammatory rhetoric only serve to increase tensions and division, they said.
They also called upon ‘political leaders, community representatives, faith leaders, and civic organisations to work together in promoting dialogue, understanding, and community cohesion’.
"This is a time for responsible leadership and unity,” they said.
“Our appeal to the wider public is simple: stand together, reject hatred, support those affected, and uphold the values that unite us. The vast majority of people in across Northern Ireland want the same things—safe communities, justice for victims, and a peaceful future for all.
“We remain committed to working alongside all communities to ensure that Northern Ireland continues to be a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful place for everyone,” the men added in a joint statement on behalf of the Derry Indian community.