News

Eid patrols stepped up

Muslim celebrations of Eid at Longsight market
TWO hundred officers will police this weekend's Eid celebrations in Manchester - but the days of serious trouble are long gone, according to community leaders.

The Muslim celebrations to mark the end of a month of fasting will attract 10,000 people from all over the country to Rusholme tonight and tomorrow night.

But a combination of tough action on trouble-makers during previous Eid celebrations and the greater numbers of young families taking part means the atmosphere of the event has changed for the better, say police and community leaders.

Khan Moghal, chief executive of the Manchester Council for Community Relations, when asked whether the days of serious trouble were over, said: "Absolutely, yes, because of the tough action taken by police, which we support 100 per cent.

"The message that it's sent out to the rest of the country is that we want people to come here and enjoy themselves and if they come to cause problems, they are not welcome."

He admitted gangs of young Muslims from all around the country, including Brighton and Glasgow, would come to Rusholme in the past and, contrary to Islam, get drunk and then pick fights with the police.

He said: "There were running battles with the police, but thankfully, those days have gone now."

Supt John O'Hare said: "I have been working during the Eid celebrations for the last 10 years and I have noticed a difference. It's seen far more as a local family event now."

The Eid ul-Fitr festival, the Islamic feast of sacrifice, is due to take place between tonight and tomorrow and marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

As in previous years, police will use powers to seize cars driven in an anti-social manner along Wilmslow Road, the main focus of the celebrations.

Police will divert traffic away from Wilmslow Road, but keep it open. The road will be closed `should the need arise'.

Supt O'Hare added: "Eid is a very important part of the Muslim calendar and we are extremely proud that Rusholme is a focal point.

"As part of the policing operation, and to allow the local Muslim community to celebrate their religious festival with minimal disruption, an increased number of police officers will be patrolling the area."

Comments

Login or Register to comment

Usual comment, who will pay for all of this?

Report This Reply

Note to any mugger, robber, thug, hoodie commit all the crime you want this weekend as you know where all the Police will be

Report This Reply

The police are responsible for policing PUBLIC events, festivals, celebrations and so on. Who polices events in Albert Square? Who polices those tumbling out of bars nightly?

Why would someone question this?

Report This Reply

Eid is the muslim equivalent of christmas, however large amounts of muslim's go to rusholme to celebrate with friends and family, so why doe's this concern some people if the police are patrolling this event? I could say the same! Why do the police, patrol football matches for? why do the police, patrol large outdoor event's? get your fact's in order before causing a stir on this website.

Report This Reply

I was at the Chand Raat (Moon-Night) Eid market in Longsight last night, fantastic atmosphere, plenty of police on hand, it made Longsight feel really special, where else can you go about after dark without alcohol everywhere?

Only one criticism, the traffic was chaos, they needed more diversions in place.

Report This Reply