AFGHAN shopkeepers and market traders have renewed strike threats over a perceived lack of police progress in bringing to justice those responsible for two attacks on traders.

More that 150 members of the Afghan community threatened to blockade Walthamstow High Street in June, following two attacks on shop and stall workers in the space of two weeks.

Afghan shop worker Allah Yar was stabbed in the neck in High Street, and two weeks later 21-year-old stall holder Sahki Rahimi was also stabbed and suffered a broken nose and cheekbone.

A man was arrest in suspicion of grievous bodily harm on Mr Rahimi, so the strike was put on hold.

But since he has been bailed until July 6 and then re-bailed until July 26, which has angered traders, who are demanding to see more progress made in the investigation.

Gul Rahman, manager of All in One in High Street, Walthamstow, chaired the meeting in June, and said that problems dated back 10 years to when British Afghan citizens became a workforce in the High Street.

He is incensed that no one has yet been charged over the attacks and is demanding an explanation at a meeting with police, which will be held tonight (August 4) at Harmony Hall from 6pm.

Mr Rahman said: “We want to see that the case is moving forward, so that is why we are holding this meeting.

“We want to let people know what we are protesting for and that if there was a strike, it would be a very strong one.

“We want to see that justice is being served and I am hoping that this meeting will help speed things up.

“When they released one person we became very fed up. How can they release a man for attempted murder?

“If we are not satisfied with the outcome, then we will strike.”

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