Hyderabad students protest against Israel’s bombardment in Gaza, one held

Hyderabad: On Friday, the city witnessed its first public demonstration regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, where many residents, mostly students, came together at the Ambedkar Statue in Basheerbagh to express their support for the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza

Students in Hyderabad took to the streets to voice their solidarity with the Palestinians. The students protested against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. However, the protest met an abrupt end as the Hyderabad police took students into custody within five minutes of the demonstration commencing. The Kanchanbagh Police arrested Abdul Majid Saheb, the president of DJS (Democratic Justice Society).

Protest against #Israel & solidarity with #Gaza in #Hyderabad conducted at different locations. @SIOHyderabad pic.twitter.com/kNmHhBHj3c

— Mubashir.Khurram (@infomubashir) October 13, 2023

The arrest prompted a swift response from the DJS secretary, Salahuddin Affan, who strongly condemned what they considered an illegal arrest, demanding Saheb’s immediate release.

The protestors, predominantly female students, had gathered to raise their voices against ‘Israeli actions and demand justice for the Palestinians.’ Carrying a placard that read ‘Long live Palestine,’ the students were joined by many like-minded individuals.

The police officers, citing the absence of official permission for the protest, swiftly took action.

“While maintaining law and order is paramount to the police, the incident raises questions about the freedom to express solidarity with global causes, particularly in situations as emotionally charged as the Israel-Palestine conflict,” said a protester.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has caught the world’s attention with many praying for an immediate de-escalation of the situation, which has already resulted in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives.