Luton Borough Council has launched a PR offensive to divert
international media interest from pro-Taliban and anti-US Muslims in the
area.
The step was taken after two Luton men, Afzal Munir and Aftab Manzoor,
were killed last month in Afghanistan, allegedly fighting for the
Taliban.
The incident prompted enquiries from a host of international news media,
such as the Dallas Morning News, Wall Street Journal and CNN.
The campaign, called 'Keep the Faith', involves Muslim community leaders
and police teaming up with the council to give out united messages of
condemnation of terrorism and pro-Taliban sentiments.
Ethnic minorities make up 23 per cent of Luton's 180,000 population.
The town's bid for elevation to city status - to be decided upon next
year - emphasises Luton's multi-cultural heritage.
Earlier this year, Oldham and Bradford councils undertook similar race
relations PR work, in response to rioting.
