Batley community steps out in remembrance of Sri Lanka terror attack victims

Batley folk from all walks of life joined to stand with Sri Lanka on Friday.

North Kirklees Interfaith, run in part by priest Mark Umpleby and Imam Irfan Soni, organised a vigil on the steps of the Town Hall on Friday.

Molana Soni opened the event before various faith leaders from the Christian and Islamic communities spoke as well as Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin.

Among the crowd were a group of Sri Lankan nationals who have made their home in Batley.

The Priest and the Imam: "Our friendship shows what the community can be like"

Rev Umpleby, said “it was hugely distressing to hear of the awful events that took place in Sri Lanka on Easter Day. Our prayers and concern are for the people killed and injured, and we wanted to come together to remember them… to pray for them… to show we stand together with Sri Lanka and against all who seek to bring hate”

Molana Soni said: “We came together to show that we cared for humanity, hate will not divide us and Love will always prevail. Thank you to everyone who attended.”