Delhi police arrest silent protesters urging India to end support for Israel

In a recent demonstration of solidarity with Palestinians, Delhi Police detained several prominent activists, including economist Jean Dreze and Communist Party of India leader Annie Raja. The group was participating in a silent protest at the APJ Abdul Kalam crossing in Delhi to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza and express opposition to the ongoing conflict, The Wire reported.

The protest, organized by the collective Indians for Palestine, began at Khan Market and aimed to march towards the Israeli Embassy. Despite notifying the police in advance, the activists were stopped and detained before reaching their destination. The demonstration involved silently holding banners, with no slogans or disturbances, but police action nonetheless ensued.

The protest drew attention from various social scientists and activists who condemned India's involvement with Israel. The demonstrators argued that India's relationship with Israel, particularly through companies like Adani Defence and Aerospace Ltd., Munitions India, and Premier Explosives, indirectly supports Israel’s military actions. They highlighted that India’s approval of military shipments and the deployment of Indian workers to Israel exacerbates the situation and endangers lives.

The activists emphasized that India's international commitments, including the Genocide Convention, obligate it to avoid supplying military equipment to nations involved in war crimes. They urged the Indian government to cease all military support to Israel and halt diplomatic and economic ties until the conflict ends.

The protesters also advocated for a boycott of companies and products associated with the occupation of Palestinian territories, aligning with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. This movement seeks to end international backing for Israel’s policies towards Palestinians and promote human rights and justice in the region.