SIR - After the riots in 1995, a decision was taken not to charge any of the participants with criminal damage, and the police were ordered to show constraint when dealing with the Asian community.

Unfortunately this had been taken by a significant minority of the Asian youth as a licence to act with impunity and the T&A had since reported instances of firearm officers, drug warfare and attacks on members of the indigenous community.

The events of Saturday, July 7, is in reality a continuation of the above, and it is therefore inappropriate to exaggerate the influence of the National Front's application to march in Bradford.

It is now most important that the Asian community, religious and political leaders co-operate with the authorities in bringing to justice those responsible for gross criminal damage and injury to the person. It is essential that the decent majority of the Asian community make clear to the criminal element in their society that their standard of behaviour is unacceptable.

Furthermore, more robust methods must be used by the police to restore public order, should similar disturbances occur. Had continental methods of restoring order been used, those in arrogant disregard of the rule of law on White Abbey Road would soon have been tamed.

Alec Suchi, Allerton Road, Allerton, Bradford, BD15.

SIR - People in Bradford are naturally shocked by the recent violence in the city with the accompanying injury to people and damage to property.

It is equally natural that there are many theories as to the rights and wrongs of what happened.

What is worrying is the theory that the violence and rioting were caused by the anti-racist demonstrators who attended a peaceful rally in Centenary Square. This rally was attended by people from all political backgrounds making an important anti-racist statement rejecting the British National Party and the National Front.

To blame those who were brave enough to stand and be visible in a hostile environment would be like saying Bradford has a policy of no platform for anti-racists. Opposition to such racist politics must continue and be visible if we want to describe ourselves as a civilised country.

Blame those of the far Right who came to Bradford determined to cause trouble for the ethnic minority communities by whatever means they could.

Natfhe members work with students and colleagues from all communities and Natfhe policy is firmly opposed to racist provocation and intimidation.

Tina Downes, President, NATFHE, the University and College Lecturers' Union, Kirkgate, Shipley.

SIR - Distrust between whites and Asians? Drug culture? Lack of racial integration? Fragmentation of cultures? Resentment of police methods? Fear of recrimination? These are a few of the reasons put forward for the Bradford Riots.

They may all, to a greater or lesser degree, play some part. But there is much more to it.

I trained on an intentionally-termed 'multicultural teacher-training course' at Bradford College; taught in some of the city's so-called racially-integrated schools; played cricket and football in and around Bradford; walked its streets during day and night.

Bradford Council's and the police authority's task has always been uppermost and very apparent; a racially-integrated city.

But how is it possible to accept or recognise as co-nationals, a race of people who are themselves often Hell-bent on retaining their own cultural identity?

Problems which arise can be resolved if the Council and police act positively. In this way they will gain the respect of the majority of the district's residents, black and white, young and old.

David N Wright, School Street, Steeton.

SIR - Once again violence erupts on the streets of Bradford - and who is to blame? The police? The BNP? Society?

Anyone but the so-called disaffected Asian youth, who feel they have the right to violate innocent people and use relentless thuggery to make themselves heard.

The BNP did not have to march on Saturday, the sheer mention of a possible BNP or National Front presence in the city is ammunition alone for the perpetrators to tear our city apart, to attack and injure our police officers, throw missiles and generally abuse anyone in their path while rampaging the streets.

This timebomb had been ticking resolutely since the Oldham riots and was ready to detonate at any time.

We hear a major factor for the despair the Asian youths feel is that they feel demoralised living in the impoverished areas of Bradford.

Both white and black people live in poverty on some scale, all communities in every city suffer poverty to some degree, yet this is no justification to destroy the city you live in.

The only way we can all live together successfully as a multi-cultural society is when the minority of rebels stop this gratuitous violence.

J A Gallagher, Birkhill Crescent, Birkenshaw.

SIR - The National Front and Anti Nazi League will be watching the Asian youths do their work for them to destroy the relationship between communities and create chaos and fear in the city of Bradford.

Thugs and hooligans destroyed their own communities whatever their circumstances, concerns and grievances. There are absolutely no excuses for this madness.

Bradford has now become virtually the Muslim capital of Britain and has responsible Muslim leadership when one of them was recently awarded an OBE. The responsibility for taking control of the youths lies with their parents, religious and community leaders. It appears they have lost their influence and control.

We honour the peaceful people of Bradford, their peaceful attitudes will lead to defuse this confrontation and concentrate on fundamental areas of truth, unity and economic development.

The police force deserves our special thanks and support for their courage and patience to restore law and order.

Let's work together - Christians, Muslims and all other faiths - to build a better Bradford, where respect, tolerance, peace and unity are acknowledged on the highest achievements.

We the Asian Christians from Bradford and UK pray for the hope, peace and unity in the City of Bradford.

G Dutt, Chairman, Pakistan Asian Christian Welfare Organisation Bradford, Armidale Way, Bradford, BD2.

SIR - I am so distressed to see TV pictures of my home town being destroyed by the people living there.

I was born in Manningham in 1920 and had walks in the park - the days of Brown Muffs, Parkinson and Clarks, Busbys, Maids and Nannys!!

I still have my slipper case, bought at Trippetts for just under three shillings (15p).

I could go on but the real reason for this letter is to ask why the people of Bradford want to destroy their own city - if that is the case, why rebuild it?

I'm so sorry for people's homes, shops and businesses that have been targeted, it's all so sad and pointless. What has the destruction achieved? Are these people satisfied with what they have done? And will they be prepared to live in its midst?

Mrs Marjorie Williams (nee Elliot), Ashlyns Road, Frinton on Sea, Essex.

Sir - Looking at the scenes of devastation on the front and back covers of your Monday edition, I couldn't help thinking 'Bradford - City of European Culture 2008' - what hope now for the bid?

Andrew Hall, Eaves Mount, Hebden Bridge.

SIR - Perhaps Bradford Council will now drop its always idiotic proposal to be European City of Culture.

Iain Morris, Caroline Street, Saltaire.

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