London:
The Scotland Yard has kickstarted a new counter-terrorism strategy in cities with large immigrants from South Asia, amid fears that terrorist organisations are seeking new recruits from the ethnic communities in Britain.
The Metropolitan Police has started the 'Prevent Engagement programme' in Hounslow borough, where nearly 30 per cent of the population is either Sikh, Muslim or Hindu, as the police believe that terrorist organisations have attempted to recruit in the area.
The scheme is part of a Scotland Yard trial which began running in four London boroughs in June 2007, but is now being rolled out across Hounslow, which is the epitome of modern British multiculturalism. As well as Hounslow, the programme started in Waltham Forest, Newham and Tower Hamlets,
The Independent newspaper said.
"We know there are people here who would want to bring our young people into violent extremism. When we knew that 'Prevent' was developing we were very keen to make sure that we became a part of it," David Bilson, Chief Superintendent of Hounslow, was quoted as saying by the British daily.
The scheme involves officers whose sole remit is to develop and maintain links with the ethnic communities in their area through organisations such as faith centres, schools and youth clubs.
The aim is to use the community to help alert police to potential terrorists.
"It is not about picking on one community. But yes, we are starting with the Muslim community because they are the ones we know are being targeted for extremism and it is right that is where we target our efforts," said Chief Supt Bilson.