In a solemn show of unity, an estimated 20, 000 people belonging to different faiths and racial groups on Thursday attended an open-air funeral service in Birmingham for the three local youths of Pakistani origin killed in recent riots while trying to protect their property from looters.
Families of Haroon Jahan (21) and brothers Shazad Ali (30), and Abdul Musavir (31) called for peace as a tense and grieving community united behind the slogan, “One City, One Voice for Peace:.
Haroon's father Tariq Jahan, who has been praised for his role in defusing tension in the wake of the tragedy, said the boys sacrificed their lives for the community and the best tribute to them would be to carry forward their legacy.
Abdul Quddoos, brother of Shazad and Abdul, described the three as “heroes of the moment” and said they would be missed.
The service was held near where the men were killed on August 10 after being mowed down by a car full of suspected rioters.
