MERTON, UK, August 11, 2005: Attacks and harassment of Merton’s Hindu community will not stop the annual Ther (chariot) parade, organizers claim. Worshippers at the Shree Ghanapathy Temple on Effra Road, Wimbledon, have reported being abused in the street and one had his car damaged in attacks police are treating as racially motivated. The temple’s chief co-ordiantor, Ranjit Ratsingham, said: “We have had incidents of young boys being attacked by youths. A lot of people are very, very nervous. “The police are concerned and it seems to be coming from the far-Right. “It’s bad enough they are attacking innocent Muslims, but extending that to the whole Asian community is wholly despicable.” Merton police confirmed they are investigating the attacks and are keeping the temple under surveillance in case of further trouble. A Hindu boy was hospitalized and others injured after an attack in nearby Sutton on July 29. The news comes as Merton’s Hindu community would normally be gearing up for the annual Ther Festival. In previous years the temple’s deities have been paraded on chariots through central Wimbledon and thousands come to see the sight. One parade in east London has already been cancelled and organizers admitted they had considered cancelling the Merton parade.
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