'Racial tension the real reason for London riots'

Tarsame Singh, more popularly known as ‘Taz’ is, to India, the Indian half of Stereo Nation. Taz was born in Coventry, England and is based in England. Firstpost spoke to Taz on the riots in various cities and towns in England, with particular emphasis on Birmingham, a city with a large Indian population and one that inspired his musical career.

Taz feels that the problem that we now witness has been bubbling for some time now – and the authorities have failed to tackle it. The impact of migration from East Europe, coupled with the state of the UK economy and the consequent high levels of unemployment has led to various ethnic communities living together. Unemployed youth are forming gangs and a drug and gun culture has been gaining ground.

The far right has been, says Taz, fanning the fames, with threat mails targeting various ethnic groups. Taz does not see the problem going away in a hurry, warning that ‘things will get much worse before they get better’. Even in a city like Birmingham, sadly, Taz says there are clear ‘no-go zones’ which his family will avoid till the situation is better. Listen to Taz and his view on developments in the UK.