K Shabas Haris
A solidarity protest organized by “FriendsofPalestine,” a local group advocating “against global oppression”, was met with police intervention in Kochi today. 10 protestors including 2 women were detained by the police.
The group had planned to demonstrate against what they perceive as an “anti-constitutional approach” by the government towards the people of Kashmir, following the recent attack in Pahalgam.
The protest was scheduled for 4:00 PM at Panampally Nagar, Kochi, and was intended to be a peaceful gathering involving poetry recitation to “express solidarity with Kashmiris”. This demonstration follows an attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals, primarily tourists.
Accoring a report by The Hindu, Indian security forces used explosives to destroy homes of alleged active militants. Around 10 houses were demolished, and over 1,500 people, including students, were detained. On Saturday alone, six more homes were reduced to rubble, and over 100 houses were searched.
‘FriendsofPalestine’ argues that the demolition of Kashmiri homes violates Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, and Article 33 of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits collective penalties and reprisals against protected persons and their property. The group also highlighted the Supreme Court of India’s recent disapproval of “Bulldozer Raj” without prior notice, where the court strongly opposed the demolition of citizens’ homes by state authorities.
However, Rejas, one of the organizers, received a notice from the Ernakulam Town South Police Station in Kochi City earlier today, citing potential social issues as a reason to halt the planned protest. Upon arrival at the designated protest site, a significant number of police personnel were deployed.
“We, a small group of protestors, are surrounded by a large number of police here,” stated Rejas. “We only planned to recite some poetry and have a solidarity gathering against the oppression that Kashmiris are currently facing. When Kashmiris protested against the terrorist attack, the police and the system were with them. But now, when Kashmiris face attacks from the state, the system and police do not allow us or Kashmiris to protest against these atrocities.”
Several student and political organizations across India have voiced their opposition to the government’s actions in Kashmir. The Fraternity Movement, a student organization, has released posters condemning the alleged targeting of students by security forces in Kashmir.
