Community Fear Following Arson Attack
The Indian community in Northern Ireland is experiencing fear after a racially-motivated arson attack targeted a grocery store in north Belfast, according to the chairman of the Indian Community Centre.
The store, which was scheduled to open in the coming months, was destroyed by a fire in the early hours of Saturday.
Dr Satyavir Singhal expressed willingness to engage with those responsible for the attack on the former gospel hall located on the Shankill Road.
If they feel in some way that it will harm the area, we can sit and talk together.
There are no issues on this planet which cannot be solved by talking to each other.
Dr Singhal, who also works as a consultant at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, noted that the incident has caused fear among people.
People are scared.
I personally am hurt and deeply saddened by the incident.
People are calling and asking how things are and Is this area safe?
Community Concerns and Historical Context
He further mentioned that users of the community centre have been worried following riots in Ballymena in June 2025.
Having lived in Northern Ireland for 25 years, Dr Singhal highlighted the longstanding presence of the Indian community since the 1930s and emphasized that such an incident has never occurred before.
The Indian community has been here since the 1930s and we've been living, working together... and there has never been a problem like this.
Political Response
Gerry Carroll, an assembly member from People Before Profit, commented on the situation, stating that migrant communities are stockpiling food due to fears of another summer of unrest.
We've got a growing migrant community, that should be a welcome thing.
Owner's Reaction and Police Statement
On Saturday, the owner of the building, who purchased it last year and prefers to remain unnamed, expressed heartbreak over the incident. Originally from India, he has resided in Northern Ireland for 18 years.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that the building was "totally gutted" by the blaze.
