Citizens’ group writes letter to Siddaramaiah, questions govt for suppressing pro-Palestine protests
Bengaluru: In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, members of ‘Bengaluru for Justice and Peace’ expressed their disappointment regarding the government's response to protest's in Bengaluru condemning the ongoing crisis in Palestine.
The group accused the authorities of suppressing peaceful demonstrations and even filing FIRs against protestors. Despite the escalation of violence by the Israeli government, which has led to a grave humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the state government has denied permissions for protests, citing concerns over law and order.
The letter, sent by the concerned citizens' group, highlighted the alarming situation in Palestine, where civilians, including children, have been targeted and killed in the conflict. Hospitals, schools, and religious institutions have been bombed, resulting in widespread destruction. According to data from various sources, 5,791 Palestinians, including 2,360 children, have lost their lives due to the violence. The group emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of citizens to stand against such atrocities and demand justice for Palestine.
“You are aware that the bombing of civilians and systematic violations of human rights continue to be accelerated by the Israeli government, and there is a grave humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Concerned citizens across the world are marching in solidarity against the violence, demanding a ceasefire and justice for Palestinian people,” the letter added.
Despite the citizens' peaceful attempts to raise their voices, the Karnataka state government has consistently denied permissions for protests. The recent denial of permission for a protest scheduled at Freedom Park on October 28, 2023, citing it as an international issue with threats to law and order, has drawn significant criticism. The citizens' group argued that the freedom to protest extends to international issues as well and that their peaceful demonstration in Freedom Park posed no threat to law and order.
“Now, when a genocide taking place in Palestine, it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to stand up against this and demand justice for Palestine. Instead, the state Government is claiming down on protests and not rejecting permission. Last week, the police denied permission to left parties wanting to hold a protest on this issue. You would recall that we also met with you on October 20, 2023 at your residence and apprised you of these denials of permission. Despite that, the police continue to restrict our constitutional right to assemble,” the letter further added.
“The latest such rejection has taken place by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Division) who has rejected permission for a protest to be held in Freedom Park on 28th October, 2023 on the ground that this is an international issue and there is a threat to law and order.This freedom is not restricted only to national issues, but to every issue, and international issues are no exception. Additionally, there is no reason to believe that our peaceful protest in Freedom Park will threaten law and order,” it added.
Furthermore, the group condemned the state government for registering FIRs against protestors supporting the Palestinian cause. Peaceful demonstrators have been detained and faced criminal charges, undermining their fundamental right to assemble and express their opinions. The citizens' group also criticized the authorities for their indifference to the ongoing genocide in Palestine, calling it an abuse of power.
“Such actions of the Karnataka State government is not only an assault on the fundamental rights of citizens to protest, but also display a cruel indifference to the genocide being carried out by the Israeli government, and is an immoral abuse of power by these offices,” the letter stated.
The letter highlighted India's historical support for the Palestinian people, emphasizing the consistent stand taken by leaders from Mahatma Gandhi to Narendra Modi in favor of Palestinian rights. Even the Congress Working Committee and the Ministry of External Affairs have expressed support for the establishment of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
In conclusion, the citizens' group urged the Karnataka state government to respect the fundamental rights of protestors and reconsider their stance on granting permissions for peaceful demonstrations. They called for a fair and unbiased investigation into the actions of the police and demanded justice for those who have faced undue legal consequences for expressing solidarity with Palestine.
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B'desh: Lawyer killed in clash between security personnel, followers of Hindu leader
Dhaka, Nov 26: A lawyer was killed on Tuesday during clashes between the security personnel and followers of a Hindu community leader, who was denied bail and sent to jail by a Bangladesh court, according to local media reports.
The victim was identified as Saiful Islam, a 35-year-old assistant public prosecutor and a member of the Chattogram District Bar Association, the Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.
Citing Dr Nibedita Ghosh, a duty doctor at the emergency department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, the paper said that six others were injured in the clashes that erupted after Chattogram’s Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate court denied bail to prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, arrested on sedition charges.
Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, president of the Chittagong Lawyers' Association, said that protesters dragged a lawyer from beneath his chamber and hacked him to death.
As Das was being taken away in a police van, he addressed the crowd through a hand mike, urging them to remain calm.
Around 3 pm, the law enforcement agencies resorted to sound grenades, tear gas shells, and baton charges, dispersing the protesters.
Deputy Commissioner of City Police Liaquat Ali confirmed one death but said they were still investigating the cause.
The Daily Star newspaper reported that at least 10 people, including journalists, were injured during the clash.
