Appeals for calm as Scarva village prepares for 1,500 marchers from Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and 'Great March for Gaza'
There have been appeals for calm as Scarva prepares for 1,500 people marching along the village tomorrow in a contentious parade that last year saw riot police make a string of arrests.
Twelve months ago the village was virtually sealed off for three hours by police as the parade organised by the Lurgan Branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign passed for the first time.
Locals felt intimidated as marchers veered off the Newry canal towpath and down the main street, shouting and waving Palestinian flags while chased by dozens of riot police. A string of arrests followed.
Much to the anger of unionists, the Parades Commission approved the parade again today, subject to restrictions.
A parade organised in response by the Markethill Volunteers Flute band, with some 1000 people, has been cancelled after the Parades Commission determined it could not start until 2:30pm, to avoid any confrontation.
However organisers have now cancelled the flute band parade and instead urged all supporters to join an official protest in the village.
As there have been appeals on social media for weeks for people to join both parades, there is no telling how many people might turn up.
Police have urged the public to avoid the canal towpath from Portadown to Newry to avoid ‘The Great March for Gaza’, which starts in Lurgan at 8:30am and finishes in Omeath at 10pm.
Police said “an appropriate and proportionate policing operation will be in place” and that some traffic disruption should be expected and motorists should follow any diversions.
"Anyone not participating is asked to avoid walking along the Portadown-Newry Canal Towpath if possible.
"Participants in the organised events are reminded that whilst police will always facilitate and uphold the right to lawful, peaceful procession and protest, that right also comes with certain responsibilities."
The DUP’s Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart, MLAs Diane Dodds, Jonathan Buckley and Diane Forsythe said locals aren "deeply frustrated”.
In a joint statement, they said: “The people of Scarva have once again found themselves in a situation they neither wanted nor asked for. Residents and businesses have consistently raised concerns about the impact this parade has on their community, particularly in light of the tensions and disorder associated with previous events.
"People understand and respect the role of lawful and established cultural events within community life. However, there is understandable anger when an overtly political demonstration is brought into an area despite clear local opposition and after the scenes witnessed previously."
TUV Councillor Keith Ratcliffe called on protestors "not to react" to any events on the day.
"I will engage with the PSNI to ensure there is no return to the ugly scenes we witnessed the last time,” he said. “I’d also call on all those attending the counter protest not to react to any potential provocation."
He added: "Sadly, the world is littered with ongoing humanitarian crises. Yet only Gaza has resulted in now two mass protests locally. Why is that?"
Alliance representatives Andrew McMurray MLA and Councillor Joy Ferguson appealed for calm.
Mr McMurray has said: “I am appealing for calm ahead of the planned demonstrations on Saturday. The Parades Commission exists to manage situations exactly like this one, and its determination must be respected.”
Councillor Joy Ferguson added: “The people in Scarva are understandably seeking to prevent a repeat of the unrest that occurred last year, and they are advocating for calm and peace ahead of tomorrow. I urge everyone to show that respect."