Withdraw criminal cases against Palestinian solidarity: CPI (M)

New Delhi (ANI) [India], July 19 (ANI): The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday demanded the immediate withdrawal of criminal cases filed against people for waving Palestinian flags during Muharram processions.

CPI(M) in a statement said that it has been reported that cases were filed in Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand under stringent sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) upon complaints made by BJP and VHP leaders for allegedly waving a Palestinian flag during a procession of Muharram.

“Most of these states where the cases were filed are governed by the BJP and its allies or under the direct governance of the central government. The BJP-led government claims to support the Palestinian State, but the filing of these cases exposes its true face. It is unable to tolerate Indian people’s support to Palestine,” CPI (M) said in a statement.

The CPI (M) further demanded the withdrawal of these cases and immediate release of all those who are detained or arrested for expressing their support for Palestine.

“The central government should unequivocally express its solidarity with Palestine, demand Israel withdraw from all the territories it had occupied and restore the Statehood of Palestine, with pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as the capital,” CPI (M) added.

Notably, India maintains diplomatic relations with Palestine. India’s policy towards Palestine has been long-standing and consistent. We have supported a negotiated two State solution, towards establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within secure and recognized borders, living side by side in peace with Israel, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Moreover, India has strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. We have called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasized peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.