New Delhi: Over 30 Indian students and activists, led by the Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine (IPSP) and joined by the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India, Disha Students’ Organization, and Naujawan Bharat Sabha, staged a protest outside the Israel Embassy in New Delhi on Monday, June 23.  

Chanting “Free Palestine” and burning images of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the protesters condemned Israel as a Western imperialist outpost, built on ethnic cleansing and sustained by barbaric violence. They demanded India sever all diplomatic, economic, academic, and cultural ties with Israel, slamming the ruling class for adopting its repressive technologies like Pegasus to silence dissent. 

The protesters emphasised that their fight was against the Indian government profiting from supplies to Israel. “This is not a religious issue – it’s a matter of justice for every human!” said Priyambada Sharma, the coordinator of Indian people in Solidarity with Palestine. 

Delhi Police detained activists, allegedly dragging them by their hair, beating them with batons, and hurling vile threats. A visually-impaired protester was also allegedly mercilessly beaten.

Srishti, a protester, recounted: “They broke my glasses, pulled my hair, and dragged me. I couldn’t breathe – I’m on oxygen now, [I had] my leg X-rayed because it won’t move.”

Another activist alleged the depravity of the Delhi Police in dealing with students: “One of the officers said, ‘Just a little longer, and we’ll strip your clothes off!’”

 The activists, detained until 2 AM at Mandir Marg station, were interrogated by Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation and Crime Investigation Department officers.   

The Wire reached out to sub-inspector Yashwant Mann, in charge of Mandir Marg station, regarding the allegations of beatings and threats, but he refused to give any comment or information. 

The protesters urged a nationwide boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign to isolate Israel, mirroring the global solidarity movement exposing its atrocities. They vowed to expand their campaign from Delhi to Mumbai, Hyderabad and beyond.  

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