Lurgan branch of Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) publish Kneecap video to promote Scarva parade
It is “unsurprising” that the controversial rap band Kneecap have stepped into a row over a hugely contentious parade that is expected to require a huge police, an MP has said..
DUP MP Carla Lockhart was speaking after the Lurgan branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) promoted a video by controversial rap band Kneecap which appealed for people to attend a parade from Lurgan to Omeath this Saturday.
The parade of 1,500 people will once again pass along the outskirts of the predominantly unionist village of Scarva, which has only 474 residents.
Last year the village was virtually sealed off for three hours by police as the parade passed, amid tense scenes.
Men carrying flags ran down the main street, chased by dozens of riot police, with a number of arrests made.
Much to the anger of unionist elected representatives, the Parades Commission has approved the parade again this year, subject to a long list of restrictions.
This year Markethill Volunteer Flute Band is also holding a parade with 1,000 people along the same towpath being used by the IPSC. It is subject to similar restrictions, as has a small residents’ protest.
The commission has directed that the Flute Band parade must not start until 2.30pm to keep the two parades separate.
Now the IPSC have promoted an appeal for more people to attend their from Kneecap.
The video clip features band member J. J. Ó Dochartaigh, also known as DJ Próvaí - wearing his trade mark balaclava.
Speaking briefly in the clip, he said: "Join us on the Great March for Gaza and international justice on Saturday, the sixth of June, from Lurgan to Newry."
Ms Lockhart responded that it was “unsurprising that Kneecap would seek to stir tensions”.
She added: “A group whose very name relates to one of the most brutal punishments inflicted on people in Northern Ireland, are not the moral compass or barometer for our society.
"It does however once again highlight the foolishness of the decision by the Parades Commission. This march is not welcome in Scarva, which has been highlighted by residents and only serves to stoke tensions. More so now with this irresponsible call by this so called rap group."
In response, Kneecap manager Daniel Lambert told the News Letter that at a recent concert the band had spoken about “uniting young people across all divides”. He said the Scarva parade is “a march to help people who are undergoing genocide, and here you are trying to create division with it”, adding that the News Letter is “a hateful publication”.
Also speaking out about this Saturday, the Alliance Party said there was "no reason the day cannot pass peacefully” if both sides observe Parades Commission restrictions.
The party's Andrew McMurray MLA said: "The Parades Commission exists to manage situations exactly like this one, and its determination must be respected."
He added: “This is a moment for cool heads and responsible leadership. If everyone abides by the determination, there is no reason the day cannot pass peacefully.”
The PSNI said that “an appropriate and proportionate policing operation, including evidence gathering capabilities, will be in place” and that the right to parade also comes with responsibilities.