The issue of halal meat has been a backward and detrimental step taken by the Harrow schools, which has resulted in a big uproar. This decision by the Harrow schools has been a bombshell for the peaceful diverse communities of Harrow.

Even the leader of Harrow Council, Cllr Bill Stephenson, was surprised to learn that halal meat was the only option on the school lunch menus. This issue has also appeared in the national press denting Harrow’s good image.

On one hand the Harrow Council is talking about equal rights for all and on the other hand they see it being violated.

This is unacceptable and wrong. It is time for firm action to be taken and a stop put to it forthwith.

Harrow Council cannot wash its hands by saying ‘as a local authority we have no involvement in this’. It was elected by the residents of Harrow and has to respond to their concerns.

Muslim students have every right to have halal meat as it is an important requirement of their religion. Similarly, the Jewish students have every right to have kosher meat, the Sikh students have every right to have Jatka meat, and the Christian students have every right to have meat from the abattoirs, based on their religious beliefs.

Even Harrow Central Mosque has stated that other faiths and communities should be provided for as well.

I do not understand whose bright idea it was to introduce such a crazy scheme without consulting either the students or their parents.

By doing so it has caused a big uproar and resentment amongst the members of other religions.

The other alternative would be to serve only healthy vegetarian food to all the students, in this way everybody will be happy.

The schools cannot give rights to one group at the expenses of other groups. That is completely out of order.

The management of the Harrow schools responsible for creating this fiasco should be brought to book by the relevant authorities. Harrow Council should use its legal and civic powers to put an immediate stop to it.

We want a united Harrow and not a divided one, so no more discrimination. Let everyone get his or her rights respected.

Baldev Sharma, Exeter Road, Rayners Lane