New Delhi: A powerful demonstration was held at the Rajendra Bhavan Auditorium on November 30, rallying support for the oppressed people of Gaza and Palestine. Described as the largest expression of solidarity in India against the ongoing 14-month genocide in Gaza, the conference was led by Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan and the All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat (AIMMM). The event featured speeches from prominent human rights advocates and was moderated by senior journalist Suhail Anjum. Former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, Upendra Yadav, chaired the event.
Dr. Khan, President of AIMMM, began by emphasizing India’s historic ties with Palestine, dating back to the 13th century, when figures such as Baba Farid and Guru Nanak spent time in Jerusalem. He highlighted India’s unwavering support for Palestine throughout history, including its recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization and its support during the Oslo Accords of 1992. Despite dwindling official support in recent years, Dr. Khan reaffirmed the continued strong public and Muslim support for Palestine in India.
Dr. Khan detailed the painful history of Palestine, noting how the British facilitated the settlement of Jews and the eventual partitioning of Palestine. He also spoke about the disproportionate actions of Israel, from the 1948 civil war to the 1967 occupation, and the current destruction of Gaza, which has left over 150,000 dead, mostly women and children. The ongoing oppression, he noted, has drawn widespread international condemnation.
Professor Achin Vanaik and Dr. Qasim Rasool Ilyas, among others, reinforced this condemnation. Vanaik criticized Israel’s illegal occupation, while Ilyas condemned its human rights violations, stating Israel has created two open-air prisons in Gaza and the West Bank. Dr. Ilyas also pointed out India’s complicity by sending weapons and workers to Israel during this war.
The conference also drew attention to global responses, with nations severing ties with Israel and supporting Palestine’s recognition as an independent state. Renowned activists like Harsh Mander and socialist leader Professor Sandeep Pandey highlighted the need for global solidarity and the comparison to past atrocities, stressing that the world must once again declare “Never Again” to genocide.
The event concluded with a symbolic waving of the Palestinian flag and a renewed commitment to support Palestine’s struggle for freedom and to oppose Zionism.
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