Open Letter: Gurkha Burial Section

01/10/2009

Dear Sirs,

Further to your article on the Gurkha section of the graveyard, I would like to enquire as to the origin of this petition. I consider it cowardly and a subversive form of incitement of racial hatred to submit a petition to the Council without actively engaging a community in the initiative.

Many arguments have arisen over the issue within Kennington, including the fact that the Gurkha's have fought on behalf of Britain and been given leave to stay here on that basis. A motion that over 60% of the population agreed with earlier on in the year.

The assertion it “is not the way a graveyard is run” and that the sign excludes other sections of community. This fails to take into account the demarcation of Christian burials, the War memorials and vast secularised society we embrace.

It is clear that some feel it is unfair that Gurkha's have their own area, therefore let us establish areas for all religions and beliefs in graveyards and crematoriums to prevent exclusion. But people should not be actively discriminating against one particular group and at the same time be unwilling to present the courage of their convictions.

Kelly-Marie Blundell

Ashford Liberal Democrats