Belfast, Northern Ireland – A Nepali businessman’s pub and restaurant in Northern Ireland was the target of a racially motivated arson attack. Abjan Acharya, the owner of the Railway Bar and Steam Dining on Ballyclare Road, Newtown AB, reported that a petrol bomb was thrown at the establishment around 1:50 AM on Tuesday.
Following the attack, the words “Muslim out” were spray-painted on the pub’s wall. Police have classified the incident as a hate crime and are investigating the involvement of right-wing groups.
Acharya, who invested approximately £100,000 to start the business last March, said that the fire caused complete damage to his pub and restaurant, forcing him to close. He added that it would be impossible to reopen in the same location.
“Born into a Hindu family, raised and educated in Belfast, I never imagined that my skin color and religion would make us the target of such a despicable act,” Acharya said.
The Nepali community in Northern Ireland has expressed fear and shock over the incident. However, Acharya noted that he has received full support from the local community, police, and political parties.
The attack comes just weeks after a series of violent riots in Britain, fueled by right-wing groups targeting immigrants and Muslims. These riots, considered the most violent in 13 years, have resulted in 1,024 arrests and 575 charges, according to the National Police Chiefs Council.
The recent incident in Northern Ireland highlights the ongoing tensions and prejudice faced by minority communities in the region.
