Violence begins at night, says Tamils

CHENNAI: Tamils in Britain were cautious following the riots that spread to other cities in the country. The main targets were the malls and shops in London’s high streets. “In high streets, luxurious shops and malls are located. The rioters looted and torched shops predominantly in these streets. The rioters were mostly in the age group of 14-20. They did not come in the day, but started looting in the evening for the past two days,” said Suresh Muthiah, who has a business in Croydon.“I was not able to run my business as Croydon witnessed violence. My friend’s rented house was set ablaze by the rioters, when he went for night shift work. He is from Devakottai and lost all his dresses and other items. Now the city is under police control,” he added.The Tamils in Britain alleged that the main reason for the youth indulging in violence was the increase in the unemployment rate and the cutdown on government benefits for them. Because of these, teenagers took to the streets, looted shops and got away with whatever they could lay their hands on.Mathiprakash, a software engineer from Rajapalayam who lives in Ilford, said, “I went to high street on Monday. Hooded rioters gathered there and were prepared for looting. But soon, the police arrived on the spot. Hence, rioting was prevented there. I rushed to my room at once.”Karthick from Karaikudi and M Thiyagarajan from Pudhuvayal, who work in Swindon, said, “The police came here two days ago and said if rioters try to loot or burn, we have to run away from the pump and inform them. As we are working in a petrol pump, obviously we are afraid of riots.”