This is not the way to fight extremism

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/01/no-way-to-fight-extremism

Version 0 of 1.

We have for many years now been at the forefront of fighting the phenomenon that is violent extremism. It has no place in our society. The community has received the words of Metropolitan police commander Mak Chishty with great discontent (Monitor your young, Muslim police chief warns families, 25 May). Now more than ever there is a need for misunderstandings to be avoided and bridges to be built. The feedback we have received from the community has been extremely negative as they feel that Mr Chishty has misunderstood the situation.

Saying we should become alarmed at a change in the shopping habits of individuals oversimplifies a complex issue. To say that when an individual stops shopping at a particular retailer is indicative of a shift towards radicalisation ignores the fact that there are likely to be far simpler reasons for such decisions. For example, people may not like the items on display; or want to purchase goods that are not produced along Fair Trade or ethical lines.

By also stating that we should be alarmed by a change in the clothes that individuals choose to wear is also a lamentable observation. There is a danger of promoting hysteria which can cause the marginalisation of individuals, which can cause its own problems. We value greatly the fantastic working relationship that we have been able to develop over many years with the police and we wish to continue this so we can help maintain a safer and greater Britain for all. Suleman Nagdi Federation of Muslim Organisations