SIR – It was motivating to read the report in the T&A (May 28, 2014) of a balanced and matured discussion that took place at Khidmat Centre on a highly-emotive subject of wearing niqabs.
There are host of other momentous issues such as segregation, extremism, Islamophobia, grooming, drugs and guns related crime, to name a few, that seriously impinge on integration between communities at the local level.
As this report indicates, the South Asian communities in the city are matured enough to take initiatives in addressing these issues themselves.
The real and lasting community cohesion is only possible through mutual trust and honesty. Long past are the days of state sponsored multiculturalism of the 1980s type to create a peaceful co-existence.
There is adequate legislation already in place to protect individual rights and to ensure equality of opportunity for everyone in Britain.
The ethnic composition in the city has changed with the recent arrival of a significant number of Eastern Europeans. Many of these social issues directly concern the new arrivals, too.
It is, therefore, more appropriate for the traditional faith leaders and community statesmen of all communities to encourage and support their younger leadership to take a lead in addressing these issues.
Dr Ramindar Singh MBE, Chatsworth Road, Pudsey
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article