A GROUP has shelved plans for a protest at a homecoming parade for Lancashire soldiers after pressure from the Muslim community.

The ‘Islamic Committee for the Reversal of Colonialism’ was planning to stage a protest on December 1 during a homecoming parade by the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Soldiers who have recently returned from Afghanistan are due to march through the town after a special service at the Cathedral.

The fringe group, which is to believed to only be made up of a handful of members, was told there would be counter-demonstrations against them from members of the Muslim community and possibly from other groups.

The decision to cancel the protest was made following a series of meetings between our sister newspaper Asian Image, members of the Muslim community and representatives of the group. The final meeting took place on Monday.

The decision has been welcomed by many Muslims in the region.

Waqar Hussain, a community worker, said: “The community doesn’t need adverse publicity – it needs to communicate compassion and understanding.

"Blackburn needs to communicate to the outside world how enlightened we are despite supposed differences."

A statement from Lancashire Council of Mosques read: “We are pleased that after discussion with local community and faith representative, the individuals have decided to postpone the protest. This is very important for the community.

“The war in Afghanistan is a sensitive issue for many people of all faiths.

"Those who wish to register their opposition to aspects of British foreign policy should do so through political channels i.e. through their local MP or representations to the government.

“The British Army does not sanction their deployments, such decisions are taken by the government of the day, and so it would be unfair for people to target any protests at soldiers participating in this homecoming ceremony.”

Anjum Anwar, Dialogue Development Officer and Director of Woman's Voice said: "As someone who believes that the war in Afghanistan and Iraq is and was wrong, and was initiated with ulterior motives.

"However, the solder’s returning should not be the target for venting frustration and anger, rather we should utilize all those democratic venues that are open to us to address this terrible situation.

“Any march or demonstration would have only given the EDL the oxygen to disturb and disrupt our communities."

Mohammed Quraishi, the spokesperson for the Islamic Committee for the Reversal of Colonialism, said the decision to cancel the protest was based on consideration for public safety.

He said: “Our view remains that all the underlying factors that the protest was meant to be about are still valid and must continue to be addressed.

“The intention behind the protest was to highlight the suffering of thousands of innocent Muslims killed by a coalition of which the British establishment is a key player.”

Chief Supt Bob Eastwood of Lancashire Constabulary said: “This is good news for Blackburn and its communities and I am grateful for all the help and support there has been in reaching this decision from key members of the community who care about community cohesion.

“I’d also like to thank the organiser directly for his change of heart and for no longer planning to go ahead.”