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UK: March remembers deaths

01 March 1992

Over 2,500 people joined an anti-racist march to mark the first anniversary of the death of 15 year old Rolan Adams, in a racist attack in Thamesmead, south-east London a year ago (see Statewatch 3). The march passed the British National Party headquarters in Welling, where a wreath was laid. One youth was sentenced to life for Rolan's murder, but other members of the gang involved in the attack had their charges dropped.

In nearby Manor Park, East London, a torchlight procession was held following the murder of 28 year old Panchadcharam Sahitharan in a racist attack at the end of 1991. Mr Sahitharan, a Tamil refugee, was attacked by a gang of white youths and beaten with baseball bats. He died four days later, without regaining consciousness.

Mr Sahitharan is the latest victim of a series of racist murders in the area over the past ten years that include Akhtar Ali Baig in 1980, Mrs Khan and her three children in 1981, Eustace Pryce in 1984, Shamira Kassam and her two children in 1985 and an 18 month old baby, Alia Miah in 1991.

The Sahitharan Memorial Committee can be contacted at PO Box 273, Forest Gate London E7. Tel. 081 555 8151