JKSDMI attends ‘Tameside Together’ community cohesion event to address hate crime & promote equality in Greater Manchester
DUKINFIELD TOWN HALL, ASHTON, Oct 27 (SABAH): The Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement International (JKSDMI) team, led by Founding Chairman Raja Najabat Hussain, Sitara-i-Pakistan, participated in the “Tameside Together” Community Cohesion event at Dukinfield Town Hall, Ashton. The event aimed to address hate crime, foster community harmony, and advocate for equality. This gathering brought together senior leaders, activists, and community representatives, working to highlight the issues facing Greater Manchester communities and celebrate positive local efforts.
The JKSDMI delegation included Councillor Naila Sharif, Chairperson JKSDMI UK; General Secretary JKSDMI UK, Javed Tariq; Zeshan Araf, Chairman JKSDMI Youth Wing; and Professor Tamoor Shafique, a respected academic, public speaker, and advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Tamoor, who also serves as a Governor at Ashton Sixth Form College, plays a significant role in fostering community cohesion and supporting diverse initiatives.
The event featured high-profile figures such as the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP, and Minister for Faith Communities and Resettlement, Lord Wajid of Burnley. Although Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, was not in attendance, it was noted that she is a strong advocate for community cohesion. Her office recently allocated budget to tackle hate crimes, and she welcomes community-led efforts to build a safer, inclusive society.
Dave Smith, from the Community Safety Partnership at Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (TMBC), highlighted six key priorities focused on fostering community cohesion. He shared that the recent grant received by Deputy Mayor Kate Green’s office will support initiatives to combat hate crime across Greater Manchester. This framework aims to unite citizens under the campaign’s message, #WeStandTogether.
MP Andrew Gwynne, representing Gorton and Denton, spoke on health equality, further emphasizing the importance of addressing disparities to create equitable communities.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner delivered a heartfelt message of encouragement and support for the work being done in Tameside. She remarked, “You don’t often hear the good news, but there is so much incredible work happening here, and the groups gathered today are making a tremendous impact.” Rayner emphasized the vital role of community encouragement, sharing how her own journey was shaped by the support of others. “Someone once took the time to encourage and support me when I was just starting out, and now, as Deputy Prime Minister, I’m here because of that support,” she said. Rayner underscored that by uplifting one another and providing guidance, we empower people to reach their full potential, building resilient, thriving communities together. “This is how we build resilient, thriving communities,” Rayner added, reinforcing the importance of community bonds and grassroots efforts like those represented at the event.
With a significant Kashmiri population in Tameside, the community plays a vital role in achieving the region’s goals for inclusivity and resilience. Raja Najabat Hussain, Founding Chairman of JKSDMI, has long been an advocate for engaging the Kashmiri community in promoting social cohesion and unity. He emphasizes the importance of their active participation in local initiatives, recognizing their influence within Greater Manchester’s cultural fabric. Hussain believes that by fostering dialogue and involvement at all levels, the Kashmiri community can greatly contribute to building harmony and mutual respect. His vision aligns with the objectives of “Tameside Together” and highlights a shared commitment to fostering understanding, cooperation, and community support.
Newly appointed Tameside Council Leader, Cllr Eleanor Wills, and Deputy Leader, Cllr Andrew McClaren, joined the event along with Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Betty Affleck; Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Laura Boyle; and First Deputy and Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Tafheen Sharif. JKSDMI member Cllr Naila Sharif, who has recently been appointed as Assistant Executive Member of Equalities and Cohesion, was also present, further emphasizing her commitment to supporting equality and fostering community cohesion in Tameside.
Chief Superintendent Chris Foster, District Commander for Tameside at Greater Manchester Police, and Sadia Din DL, representing the Greater Manchester Lieutenancy, also attended to demonstrate law enforcement’s dedication to community safety and interagency collaboration. Labour Party activist Ata Ul Rasool, Chair of the Constituency Labour Party (CLP) in Tameside and Governor of Tameside College, spoke about his work at Salford University to shape a definition of Islamophobia and develop strategies to alleviate hate crimes. His remarks highlighted the importance of defining and addressing specific forms of discrimination to promote understanding and unity.
The “Tameside Together” event was organized by Former Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Tafheen Sharif, alongside JKSDMI UK Chairperson, Councillor Naila Sharif, with support from the Khush Amdeed Community Group of Tameside. Together, they established a platform to discuss addressing hate crime, promoting community cohesion, and fostering partnerships to drive positive social change.
The “Tameside Together” event provided an essential opportunity for leaders and community members to unite, share insights, and reinforce Greater Manchester’s commitment to a safer, more inclusive future.