At least 22 people have been killed and 59 injured after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena. Thousands of gig-goers were packed into the venue to see American singer Ariana Grande when the explosion shook the arena.
Multiple witnesses reported hearing "huge bangs" at the venue shortly after US singer's gig finished at around 10.30pm on Monday evening.
Reports suggested that a lone male attacker detonated a homemade explosive device packed with nuts and bolts, near the foyer of the Manchester Arena. Officials have named the suicide bomber behind the Manchester attack as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. A 23 year old man has also been arrested in connection to this attack.
Some reports claimed Abedi was a British citizen who was already known to the authorities. Armed officers raided Abedi’s home on Tuesday, ordering residents indoors as they carried out a controlled explosion.
Many children and young people are among the dead and missing. Believed to be the worst of such attacks in Britain after 7/7, desperate parents spent the night looking for their missing children or family, flooding social media with images as they tried to trace them.
The Indian High Commission in London has set up a response unit and activated helplines to assist any Indian nationals caught up in the attack. In a statement on twitter they wrote: “We will activate more helplines to be of further assistance to families and friends of those affected by the attack.”
The first victim was named as 18 year old college student Georgina Callander from Leeds and second being 8 year old Saffie Rose Roussos from Leyland, Lancashire.
Britons stand in solidarity #RoomForManchester
As we went to press, there were no Asian casualties reported, but the shocked diaspora came forward to stand by the Mancunians who have lost loved ones or have suffered injuries caused by the ruthless attack. Many have also shown concern about a backlash on the Asian community, especially after Islamic State claimed responsibility for this attack.
People united in grief, carried out candlelight vigil, to stand in solidarity with those who have suffered irreparable losses. Traumatised families comforted each other after gathering at a support centre set up in the aftermath of the attack at the Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. Devastated locals even opened up their homes to the affected concert goers, using the hashtag #RoomForManchester. There are also reports that a hotel near the venue has taken in dozens of children to keep them safe. Taxi drivers have been offering people free rides home, and volunteers were arranging to give blood at donor banks to help those injured. Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens was on Tuesday afternoon packed with workers on their lunch break listening to a busker singing songs of defiance including as All You Need Is Love by the Beatles.
Blood donor centres have also experienced an "incredible" response from the public with queues forming outside Blood and Transplant buildings. The service usually operates via an appointment system, but with about 100 people standing outside, the staff have been trying to accommodate as many walk-ins as possible.
Manchester football clubs offered condolences to victims and families, though regrettably social media have been filled with false pictures of children missing- that raised alarm.
Prime Minister Theresa May said the “callous” attack was “among the worst terrorism we have experienced in the United Kingdom”. She and other parties have cancelled all election campaigns. US President Donald Trump called the attackers 'losers'.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that the capital stands united with Manchester, praising heroism and bravery of the emergency service, though said he would review security in London after this heinous attack.
Mayor for Greater Manchester, and former MP Andy Burnham issued a moving statement claiming terrorists will "never beat us" following the attack on arena.
Community and faith leaders react to the Manchester attack
Qaisra Shahraz, co chair of faith network Manchester said: "As a Muslim, you fear the terrorist is a Muslim. But these attackers are monsters."
National Congress of Gujarati Organisations (UK) said, “Hindu Community Members in UK and Worldwide are outraged and deeply saddened by the news of deathand injury of so many children in the terrorist attack targeting innocent people. Hindu Community joins with all to pray and express deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed. We also hope for a fast recovery to all those who have been injured. These terrorists must realise that such attacks will not destroy the moral fabric of this Country, we are united in grief and stand tall to fight these Cowardly attacks on the innocent children.
“We commend the exceptional bravery of our police, ambulance, fire and security services who risk their lives to keep us safe and once again today, these exceptional men and women ran towards the danger even as they encouraged others to move the other way.”
Sanjay Jagatia, Secretary General, The Hindu Council of Britain said, “The Hindu Council UK collectively prays and joins everyone in extending our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed. We also hope for a fast recovery to all those who have been injured.
“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Our country's values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law will not be defeated through violence and terror by a few.
“We stand in solidarity with all Faith Communities in the UK and will not let these types of attacks divide us. Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.”
Mohammed Shafiq, Chief Executive of Manchester based Ramadhan Foundation told Asian Voice: "It was without the darkest day of Manchester's history, but this morning Mancunians are doing what we always do, mourning and remembering the victims and getting on with our lives and these barbaric terrorists won't succeed in dividing communities.I utterly condemn this terrorist attack and reaffirm our support for the police in bringing the culprits, their financial backers and supporters to justice.
“There is no one more evil than the terrorist who killed where there were children and families present. We reject this barbaric terrorism, we commit to exposing the evil ideology of violence behind it and stand together with our fellow Mancunians.”
The Ramadhan Foundation was due to host a multi-faith vigil led by leading Muslim scholars from the region on Wednesday 24 May, as we went to press.
Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain in a statement said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I understand teenagers and children have been caught up in what the police has confirmed to be a terrorist attack. This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.
“I pay tribute to the police and emergency services who have worked valiantly to save lives last night. They were helped by civilians who rushed in to offer their support. I urge all those in the region and around the country to pool together to support those affected."
Bhai Amrik Singh, Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said, “The suicide bomber who mindlessly targeted innocent young people in the Manchester Arena must have been deranged. The brave emergency services have once again responded quickly and professionally to this appalling incident that many would not have previously faced.”
“I would like to applaud Sikhs living and working in Manchester who immediately came to the support of those caught up in the terror attack. This ranged from Sikh taxi drivers who drove people away from the danger to our Gurdwaras who opened their doors to help strangers.”
Suleman Nagdi from Federation of Muslim Organisations told the newspaper, “Whilst the full facts have yet to emerge and an investigation is ongoing, whatever the motivation, murder can never be justified. Our hearts go out to the families of our victims who are now left in distress. Many children and young people were at the concert and this is no way for their futures to be marked.
“At this most difficult time our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. We praise the work of Greater Manchester Police and our emergency services. We know that the Manchester community will come together to stand as one in the face of violence.”
The Council of Christians and Jews in a statement said, “The Council of Christians and Jews stands alongside the people of Manchester in their moment of unbearable suffering and tragedy...
“Manchester is a city of immense strength, boundless creativity, and inspirational diversity. In the face of terror, we offer a small prayer for hope, knowing that each act of kindness demonstrated by individuals last night is a much-needed reminder that selfless community and resilient love between peoples will preside in the face of such great adversity.”
Brahma Kumaris in a statement said, "When we nurture our own values and inner strengths, and express these in our lives, we empower ourselves and others. Every human being has the right to dignity and respect based on a loving and honest relationship with the self, with God and as part of one human family.
"We invite you to spend some time every day in reflective silence. With a mind and heart that are quiet, calm and loving, we can send gentle waves of courage and compassion to the whole world. Together, with everyone’s co-operation, we can help create an atmosphere of peace in the world.
Asians fear for backlash
Neeranjan Bhatt, from Manchester Brahma Samaj told Asian Voice, “This country is our home. We have been given shelter, job and security by UK. I don't understand how people can attack and hurt innocent citizens like this. I strongly feel the Muslim community should take a strong stand against those who are spreading such hatred from their community.”
When asked if there is anything to fear for Indians post this attack, he said, “There is nothing to worry for Indian people. I live outside Manchester. Whatever happened is very sad and scary. But Britons are generally tolerant people. And they take pride in our diversity. They will not attack any Asian just as a backlash.
Dasratbhai Nai, from Hindu Council North said, “It's a sad day for Britain.”
Dr Sailesh Patel from Manchester Jain Samaj told Asian Voice, "I can't express in words how sad an occasion this is. We are worried for our children's safety from now on. What has happened here can happen anywhere My receptionist Karen had gone to the concert with her daughter on Monday. Though they are safe, but she is so shocked that she could not come to the surgery today."
As we went to press, Jain Samaj Sports Club members planned to meet on Tuesday evening, and pray for the victims.
Altaf, a resident of Greater Manchester told Asian Voice, “What has happened yesterday broke my heart. These monsters are not true Muslims. I am in fact afraid to send my children to schools to learn Qoran, fearing they might get radicalised by corrupt Mullahs. Though we know any random attack may not happen on Asians, but after Brexit and this attack on Monday night, racism may be on the rise, and we can't do anything about it.”
Local resident Kanti told the newspaper, “I fear this may result into a riot. I can't forget this is also Lee Rigby's death anniversary. After Brexit racial discriminations have gone up, and racists will now find a new reason to attack innocent Asians. These terrorists don't realise not only they are affecting the white community but also their own brethren.”
Campaign group Stand Up To Racism rightfully have called for unity in response to the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester. Far-right groups such as Britain First have already attempted to use the attack to stir up hatred and division. Columnist Katie Hopkins tweeted a demand for a 'final solution', and Tommy Robinson has responded with a series of Islamophobic tweets.
Sabby Dhalu, Co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism, said: Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed and those injured in Manchester. It is extremely distressing that children and young people were targeted in this way. Our response to this tragedy must be to reject the hatred of the perpetrators and those who seek to use this tragedy to divide us and for all communities to stand together. As Martin Luther King said: 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that'."
Anyone with concerns over loved ones can contact 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900 for assistance.
