The attempted beheading of a local Irishman by a Sudanese immigrant in Belfast has triggered violent anti-immigrant protests in the city. This incident has come soon after a Sikh man was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for stabbing Henry Nowak to death in Southampton. These high profile incidents have further exacerbated anti-immigrant sentiments that exist not just in the UK, much of Europe and especially the US. US President Donald Trump was elected to office basically in support of his promise to stop illegal immigration from Mexico and other places.
There is no doubt that too many immigrants have taken advantage of the lax policies of these countries to illegally cross the borders. These policies provided them accommodation and other material support at the taxpayers’ cost. That a very large proportion of these ‘refugees’ were single males from countries where respect for women and other communities is not the norm has created serious problems. In the attempt to ensure ‘fair’ treatment, government policies over the years have created the kind of situation the led to the Henry Nowak incident. The police officers that responded were more concerned about ensuring there was no ‘racial prejudice’ against the perpetrator than the condition of the victim. The general populace is now greatly agitated about this policy slant that seems to ignore their fundamental rights.
The fact that the killer of Henry Nowak was a kirpan carrying Sikh has also brought focus on this special privilege that is denied to the average Britisher. He did not use the kirpan in the attack, but it has become part of the narrative. That, in itself, is not the problem as Sikhs can carry small ‘symbolic’ kirpans, but nobody seems willing at the present to adopt a balanced approach.
Facing this growing hostility is the Indian diaspora in all of these countries, despite the fact that they are not only the most law-abiding citizens, but also disproportionate contributors to the tax kitty. President Trump has been trying to impose various kinds of visa restrictions against Indians to appease his populist base, but the economic consequences of this policy have been felt almost instantly. However, the anti-immigrant sentiment has percolated down to the common people and Indian origin people are beginning to face antagonism in their daily lives. This represents a challenge that must be faced by, both, the more responsible and knowledgeable sections of western society, as well as the Indian government. The earlier, the better.
