An Indian woman residing in Northern Ireland for over two decades has expressed her distress over a recent spate of racist incidents, prompting her to change her behaviour in public. Annu Keshy, who has called Belfast home for 23 years, revealed that the emergence of racist graffiti and anti-social behaviour in her neighbourhood has instilled a profound sense of fear, leading her to speak only English when outside her home.
Disturbing Incidents in Belfast
In a recent act of vandalism, an internal wall of the Bass Buildings on Alfred Street was defaced with a racially charged slur. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has classified the incident as a hate crime, confirming that a group of youths gained access to the building, causing damage and leaving offensive markings.
Superintendent Hagan of the PSNI stated, “This is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime, and enquiries are ongoing.” Keshy’s experience is not isolated; many residents have voiced their anger and fear in response to this troubling behaviour. She lamented, “Everyone has a right to live. I work, I contribute positively to society, and I also engage in voluntary work. Everyone should be able to live without fear.”
Impact on Families
The unsettling atmosphere has affected families in the area significantly. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that his children have been left deeply shaken. He described how the anti-social behaviour began in September, with groups of youths disturbing the peace by banging on doors and yelling. Following the graffiti incident, his concerns shifted from mere annoyance to genuine fear for his family’s safety.
He recounted how his children now hesitate to walk alone in their own home, saying, “Whenever I ask them to get something from the next room, they respond, ‘No, we don’t want to walk alone in any of the rooms,’ because they are very scared.” He is now reconsidering his family’s future in Belfast, expressing a desire to return to his home country to protect them from the distressing environment.
A Community in Crisis
Another long-term resident, who also requested anonymity, described the toll that the recent upheaval has taken on his mental well-being. He reported that the fear of vandalism has been so pervasive that he now uses a door stopper to secure his home. “You feel a bit unimportant; you feel like you’re powerless,” he said, referring to the lack of action taken to address the situation. The use of ethnic slurs in the graffiti left him feeling disturbed and saddened by the actions of a minority intent on intimidation.
Ana Chandran, a community advocate and director at the Belfast Asian Women’s Academy, highlighted the wider implications of these incidents. She noted that they have fostered a climate of fear among residents, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds. Chandran stated, “The message has caused profound distress among residents, who now fear for their safety in their own homes.”
The Call for Action
Chandran emphasised the necessity for a secure living environment, urging local authorities and the PSNI to restore faith in the community. She stated, “The landlords in this building pay rates, and tenants work hard and pay their taxes. We need to live in a secure home, feeling safe and peaceful.”
The community’s concerns underscore the importance of addressing hate crimes and ensuring that all residents feel secure in their homes.
Why it Matters
The rise in racially motivated incidents in Belfast not only threatens the safety and well-being of individuals but also undermines the social fabric of the community. As residents like Annu Keshy and others grapple with fear and anxiety, it is crucial for local authorities to act decisively against hate crimes. The commitment to fostering an inclusive society must be prioritised to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can live without fear and contribute positively to their communities.
