London riots: Asians live in fear/Shopkeepers get little comfort from PM Cameron's statement-August 10, 2011

London riots: Asians live in fear

Last updated on: August 10, 2011 02:43 IST


With rioters looting shops and then burning it down, Indians who own stores in London are a worried lot, reports Kokila Patel.

Asians in London and elsewhere in Britain are living in fear since the last 48 hours because rioters are targeting stores, looting it and then burning it down.

Niranjana Yogesh Patel, who owns a three-storied 'party shop' in Clapham Junction was one of the victims of the riots. Her shop was burnt down by rioters -- all wearing hoods.

Another jewellery shop named 'Bhagwanji Ram' owned by Manubhai was also looted. The owners are unsure if they would be compensated for the losses.

Shopkeepers get little comfort from PM Cameron's statement

Last updated on: August 10, 2011 02:43 IST




The Guardian has reported that the loss to property bill could go up to 100m as a result of the riots in London. Under the act the police in United Kingdom may have to pick up insurance costs for damage done to property across the country. The police have already arrested 450 people.

Gujarati and Punjabi shopkeepers are little comforted by Prime Minister Cameron's statement that he was determined that justice will be done and those involved will "feel the full force of the law".

If the ill-equipped London police is unable to handle the situation, there are reports that the army will be called in to restore peace. However, Prime Minister David Cameron has said that 16,000 policemen will patrol the streets of London on Tuesday night.