Hindus deplore UK crackdown on Gypsies

Nevada (US), April 23 (ANI): Hindus have strongly criticized the recent reported United Kingdom (UK) Government's crackdown on Gypsies and Travelers, alleging that it was clearly prejudicial and discriminatory.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that recent government publication of a 28-page booklet "Guidance on managing anti-social behaviour related to Gypsies and Travellers" was clearly indicative of that.

Had UK published such booklets on other ethnic groups and majority community, Zed asked.

Published by John Denham headed Department of Communities and Local Government which aims at a community "where everyone has the right to the same opportunities, freedom and respect", it is available free.

Why this "special handling" of Gypsies/Travelers only, Rajan Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, questioned.

Talking about the booklet, Department says: "These provide advice on effective use of enforcement powers that local authorities, the police and private landowners have to deal with unauthorized encampments, where Gypsies and Travellers camp on land which they do not own and with unauthorised developments, where Gypsies and Travellers own the land, but do not have planning permission to develop it as a caravan site."

Zed urged European Union, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Equality and Human Rights Commission to look into it and stop unnecessary targeting of a helpless community. Racism and discrimination was already escalating against Gypsies/Travelers, it did not need any Government push, he argued. (ANI)