Amid a controversial ban on Palestinian flags and “slogans that could affect international relations” imposed by Bengaluru police, a significant protest took place on Friday at Freedom Park, where hundreds gathered to express solidarity against the ongoing violence in Gaza.
The protest was organized by Bengaluru for Justice and Peace (BfJP), a coalition comprising student groups, trade unions, women’s rights collectives, and civil liberties organizations that have been actively campaigning against the violence in Gaza since October 2023.
The demonstration lasted two hours, attracting a turnout of over 500 individuals, despite the presence of around 200 police officers stationed in the vicinity.
Prominent speakers included senior rights activists such as KV Bhat from the Joint Confederation of Trade Unions, Chukki Nanjundaswamy from the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, and Vinay Srinivas. One speaker, Kashmiri student Zayed Haidry, responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past comments about identifying protestors by saying, “You can’t identify us by clothes as there are many people with diversity here, but by heart.”
The event saw participation from various segments of society, including students, women’s groups, labor unions, religious organizations, and ordinary citizens. Many speakers opted to recite poetry, with some visibly moved during their readings. Nupur Azadi shared a poem by the late Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer, leading to an emotional moment as she recited “If I Must Die.” Afeefa Tabassum energized the crowd with her poem “Don’t Whitewash Names,” while Louna Jahan performed the Arabic anthem “Ana Dammi Falastini” (My Blood is Palestinian).
Shia scholar Moulana Syed Ali Baqir recognized the contributions of resistance leaders Yahya Sinwar and Hassan Nasrallah, underscoring their roles in Palestine’s ongoing struggle. Jyoti from the National Federation of Indian Women delivered a pointed critique: “Israel, which has unleashed this genocide in Gaza, the United States, its closest ally, and all their supporters should not even be called humans,” stressing her commitment as a Communist activist to stand with Palestine.
“Until Palestine is free, none of us are free,” declared speaker Disha, reinforcing the sentiment shared by many at the protest.
Reverend Emmanuel, a Dalit Tamil Christian, expressed his solidarity by displaying a keffiyeh he had received from a friend in Gaza. “This is not just a keffiyeh; this is Palestine,” he stated, highlighting the grief he felt in connection to the suffering in Gaza.
Many speakers echoed a unified message: “Bengaluru will stand with Palestine at any cost.” Civil rights activist Tanveer Ahmed reminisced about a large Palestine solidarity event he attended in London, wishing for similar gatherings in Bengaluru, while Mohammed Hayyan, Karnataka state secretary of the Students Islamic Organisation of India, pledged that protests will continue.
Throughout the protest, demonstrators raised slogans targeting Israel, the United States, and the Indian government, accusing them of complicity in the violence in Gaza. A press note from the organizers expressed their dismay at local businesses in Bengaluru that reportedly supply arms to Israel, stating: “It is shameful that the Congress government in Karnataka, with their increasing partnerships with the Israeli Consulate, has betrayed their own party’s previously articulated positions on this issue.”
The demonstration at Freedom Park aimed not only to protest against the violence in Gaza but also to galvanize a united front among various communities in Bengaluru in support of Palestinian rights.
Tags: Bengaluru, Palestine, demonstration, Freedom Park, solidarity
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