{UAH} "Protests at Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sikh Temple; armed police turn up; alleged protesters armed with swords."

Edward Irundrua b Mwuilinda,

A few days ago, you complained that Indians were racist because most
of those in Uganda refused to inter-narry with black Ugandan men. I
reponded to you, and asked to make a careful study of the cultures and
religious beliefs and practices of these racial groups from South
Asia. If you do, you will find it is often not racism that prevents
inter-racial marriage. Just have a look at this armed conformtation
taking place right now in Leamington Spa, a town in the UK. A group of
Sikhs are armed with swords and are preneting a Sikh man from marrying
a muslim woman. So if such practices still exist in a civilised
country like the UK, what do you expect in a banana republic like
Uganda?

Bobby


BBC Police are pictured outside the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh temple in
Warwickshire There have been 55 arrests after dozens of
'sword-wielding' protesters are reported to have stormed a sikh
temple.

A group of men are believed to have entered the Gurdwara Sahib in
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, with 'blades' this morning.

Reports claim the armed males were demonstrating against a mixed race
marriage, although this remains unconfirmed.

Warwickshire Police said the situation was 'an escalation' of a 'local dispute'.

The protesters reportedly entered the temple in Tachbrook Park Drive
just before 7am, the Coventry Telegraph reports.



SWNS The scene outside the temple in Leamington Spa this afternoon
SWNS Up to 30 men are believed to have entered the building with 'blades'
A number of arrests made on suspicion of aggravated trespass following
incident at Gurdwara Leamington Temple. More to follow.

— Warwickshire Police (@warkspolice) September 11, 2016

Officers said the dramatic incident was being treated as an
'aggravated trespass' and that it was part of the 'ongoing' local
disagreement.

They added that it is not being considered as a 'terrorist incident'.

Police negotiators and local religious leaders went into the building
in a bid to bring the confrontation to a peaceful conclusion.

Superintendent David Gardner said the "contained" incident was "an
escalation of a local dispute".

Caters News Agency A police convoy escorts a coach reportedly
carrying some of those arrested
"A significant number of bladed weapons were seized from the scene. As
a result of reports that the men were in possession of these weapons
we deployed armed officers as a precaution," he added.

"Over the coming days we will be working with local the Sikh community
to address some of the ongoing issues that have culminated in today's
events.

"We would like to thank local people for their patience while we dealt
with this incident."


Read MoreIslamic street preacher 'called Muslim woman a slut and
threatened to blow her up for wearing TIGHT JEANS'


Shaken residents reported seeing a police helicopter circling in the sky.

Perry Phillips, a GMB Trade Union officer in London, tweeted a photo
of a group of officers standing near the temple this afternoon.

He wrote: "Protests today at Leamington Spa Gurdwara Sikh Temple armed
police turn up alleged protesters with swords."

People stand beside police vehicles near the Gurdwara Sahib today

SWNS Reports claim the armed protesters are demonstrating against a
mixed race marriage SWNS Warwickshire Police said the ongoing
situation is 'an escalation' of a 'local dispute'



LGBT activist Daniel Browne added: "Saddened to hear of the ongoing
incident at the Sikh temple in Leamington. I hope there is a peaceful
resolution and nobody is hurt."


Read MorePolice may let Muslims wear burka as uniform in effort to
boost diversity



And a third Twitter user expressed their shock that dozens of
protesters had stormed the temple 'with blades' because of the
marriage.

On Facebook, local Paul Coady wrote that the drama had unfolded as a
Sikh prepared to marry a 'non-Sikh', adding: "Police everywhere,
helicopter, the lot."



Our Sacred Gurdwara Sikh Temple Leamington Spa stormed by protesters
against marriage ceremony armed Police stand by
pic.twitter.com/gHZRc0G5pU

— Perry Phillips (@gmbperry) September 11, 2016

Sikh Temple behind our house has 30 man stand off o_0

— HeadlessHorror (@HeadlessHorror) September 11, 2016

Police are everywhere, helicopter and more

— HeadlessHorror (@HeadlessHorror) September 11, 2016





The group of 'between 20 and 30' men reportedly entered the temple at 6.47am.

It is believed that some of the males are still occupying the
building, with 'a number' of others arrested by officers.

Allegedly 30 protestors are protesting against a mixed race marriage @
Leamington sikh temple

— Monika Plaha (@monikaplaha) September 11, 2016
Geograph/Ian Rob The Gurdwara Sahib, which took nine years to build,
cost a staggering £11million There are no reported injuries so far.

As a result of the incident, the B4087 Tachbrook Park Drive was closed
in both directions between the Queensway junction and the Heathcote
Lane junction.

It is not clear whether the men were 'protesting' against a mixed-race
marriage, an inter-faith marriage - as some reports claim - or another
matter.

The Gurdwara Sahib, which took nine years to build, cost a staggering
£11million.

It is one of the biggest Sikh temples outside India.

--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com