Twelfth not so peaceful for nationalists
By Pádraig MacDabhaid
Despite the huge media circus surrounding the Twelfth and the constant
reminders from commentators that this year's Orange parades and
demonstrations were peaceful, nationalists throughout the Six Counties have
a different tale to tell.
Residents of the Lower Ormeau Road, like those of the Garvaghy Road, were
subject to increased military activity in their area by the crown forces
which resulted in people's movements being restricted. For nationalist
residents of the normally serene Upper Ormeau Road the re-routed Twelfth
brought terror with community groups and local residents reporting phone
calls from families preparing to evacuate their homes. ``This mixed area is
being turned into a sectarian flashpoint by the Orange Order,'' said one
resident.
Throughout the Six Counties, nationalists and their homes have also been
subject to increased attacks over the Twelfth period.
In North Belfast, Sinn Féin councillor Danny Lavery called on community
workers to use their influence to ease tensions after an increase in
sectarian attacks in the north of the city in the period after Drumcree.
The first of these attacks took place on Wednesday 7 July in Graymount,
when two Catholic homes were set on fire. Another family in Graytmount was
attacked on Friday 9 July. They had to evacuate their house on Graymount
Crescent until a commercial flare was made safe.
On Saturday 10 July a family of five in nearby Glengormley narrowly escaped
death after their home was fire-bombed. This, coupled with the discovery of
four pipe bombs on the Carnmoney Road and the constant attacks on
nationalists residents in the nearby Longlands area which have resulted in
nationalist homes being damaged on a regular basis, did not add up to a
quiet and peaceful Twelfth.
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