Peaceful Pro-Palestine Protesters Detained in Haryana’s Rohtak, Say Activist Groups
Rights groups allege assault by right-wing elements and unlawful police detention of demonstrators, including women.
Rohtak, Haryana – October 6: Activist group Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine (IPSP) has alleged that several peaceful protesters, including women, were detained by police in Rohtak on Sunday evening while expressing solidarity with Palestine.
According to IPSP, six members of the group, including female activists, were participating in a peaceful demonstration as part of a nationwide campaign in support of Palestine when they were assaulted by right-wing individuals and then taken into custody by the police.
A spokesperson for IPSP told Maktoob Media that while the women were released later in the evening, the male activists remained in police custody for more than 15 hours.
In an official statement, IPSP alleged:
“Our comrades were brutally attacked by Sanghi goons in Rohtak. Instead of taking action against the attackers, the police illegally detained our members for holding a peaceful solidarity protest for Palestine and the Global Sumud Flotilla.”
Videos circulating online show protesters chanting slogans in support of Palestine before they were reportedly manhandled and forcefully detained by police. The group also claimed that several activists were injured during the scuffle, yet no action was taken against those who disrupted the protest.
The detained individuals were reportedly taken to Civil Lines Police Station in Rohtak. As of now, there has been no official statement from local police regarding the detentions or alleged assaults.
This protest was part of a nationwide solidarity campaign launched by IPSP and BDS India (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions). Similar demonstrations were held in Delhi, Pune, and other cities. Activists from both groups claim they are frequently harassed or face police action for holding peaceful, pro-Palestine protests.
A BDS India representative said:
“We will continue to raise our voices against the genocide unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank, despite the intimidation.”
The situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories continues to spark solidarity actions across India and globally, with increasing concerns about freedom of expression and the right to protest.
