Little India Riot: Migrant workers' group urges public against online hatred, xenophobia

Migrant workers seeking advice on employment disputes at the Transient Workers Count Too office in November 2013. The migrant workers' group has appealed to the public to be mindful not to flame hatred and xenophobia when commenting on the riot
Migrant workers seeking advice on employment disputes at the Transient Workers Count Too office in November 2013. The migrant workers' group has appealed to the public to be mindful not to flame hatred and xenophobia when commenting on the riot that happened in Little India on Sunday night. -- ST FILE PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Migrant workers' group Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) has appealed to the public to be mindful not to flame hatred and xenophobia when commenting on the riot that happened in Little India on Sunday night.

In a statement on Monday, TWC2 president Russell Heng said his organisation is saddened and disturbed by the incident. "We do not condone senseless acts of violence and would like to see those responsible apprehended and put to justice," he wrote.

At the same time, he expressed concern about the vitriol and xenophobia online against foreign workers. He said such comments "can only perpetuate a vicious cycle of hatred that can lead to more violence and may even cost lives".

Separately, a group of netizens have arranged to meet at Tekka Market at 7.45pm on Monday night. They plan to walk down the stretch and hand out flowers for peace and reconciliation. One of the organizers wrote: "Bring your own flowers and lots of love. Be safe, and most of all be loving."

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