HighLights
  1. An Indian-owned grocery store was destroyed in an arson attack.
  2. Protests triggered by knife attack, targeting migrants.
  3. Social media posts and eyewitness accounts show growing anxiety among Indian migrants.

The Indian community in Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) is living in fear as anti-immigrant violence and protests continue to spread across Belfast and nearby areas. The unrest has raised concerns among migrant communities, including Indians. Several incidents of arson, intimidation and attacks on properties linked to immigrants have been reported over the days.

Fear Grips Indian Community Amid Belfast Unrest

One of the most shocking incidents was the suspected racist arson attack on an Indian-owned grocery store in north Belfast. The store, built after years of hard work by an Indian-origin couple, was scheduled to open in the coming months. However, it was destroyed in a deliberate fire. The owner, who has lived in the UK for 18 years and in Northern Ireland for the past eight years, told the BBC that the attack left him "heartbroken".

ALSO READ: 'I Can't Breathe': How An Indian Sikh Murder Accused Ignited Huge Knife Crime And Racism Debate In UK

What Triggered Anti-Immigration Protests?

The violence erupted after a brutal knife attack in Belfast on Monday. A Sudanese man, identified as Hadi Alodid was charged with attempted murder after attacking a local resident with a knife. The incident quickly gained attention on social media and was seized upon by anti-immigration groups, triggering protests that later turned violent.

Videos shared on social media showed protesters hurling objects at police vehicles, setting fires, and clashing with officers. Several homes and vehicles were torched, while firefighters rescued people trapped inside burning buildings. More than two dozen people were reportedly left homeless.

Horrific Videos Surface Online

The images and videos circulating online have heightened fears among migrant communities. Posts on social media have highlighted growing anxiety among Indians and other immigrants. Indian-origin nurse Biji Jose, who has lived in the region for 23 years, said many healthcare workers from the Indian community are worried about their safety and future.

"At the moment, I can see very anxious faces and too much worry about their families, children, future jobs, insecurity about walking around the street freely like before," she told the BBC. An engineer of Indian origin living in Belfast added that he witnessed rioters setting fires and throwing petrol bombs.

Moreover, a post on social media about a young Indian care worker being chased by anti-immigration protesters also went viral. The message read: "Well its happened. Yobs chased my neighbour from the bus stop, I went out and they left...men in their 40s. Poor guy is terrified, young Indian fella working in a care home."

It continued: "They are all South Asian lads, proper shaken. The police have been out and then left. The boys have my number if they come back, but it was sickening to see that lad running away to his house, I am so angry."

Northern Ireland Minister Condemns Attack

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned both the knife attack and the subsequent unrest. While describing the stabbing as "harrowing", she stressed that there can be "no excuse and no justification" for attacks targeting migrants and immigrant communities.

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