Members of Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine say six activists, including women, were assaulted by right-wing groups
CHANDIGARH — Tension gripped the Haryana city of Rohtak on Sunday evening after police detained several members of the Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine (IPSP) during a peaceful protest in support of Palestinians. According to the organisation, the activists — including women — were assaulted by right-wing elements and later held by police for more than 15 hours.
Videos circulating on social media show protesters chanting slogans in solidarity with Palestine before being manhandled and forcibly taken away by police officers. Eyewitnesses alleged that the demonstration was peaceful until a group of men, described by IPSP as “Sanghi goons,” began verbally abusing and attacking the participants.
“Our colleagues were brutally beaten in Rohtak by these extremists,” the IPSP said in an official statement. “Instead of arresting those who disrupted the peaceful protest, the police detained our activists who were only expressing solidarity with Palestine and the Global Sumud Flotilla.”
According to the group, six protesters were detained at the Civil Lines Police Station. While women protesters were released later in the evening, the male activists reportedly remain in custody. “We fear for their safety,” said Anam Fatima, a spokesperson for the IPSP. “They were detained without reason and denied access to legal counsel for hours.”
Social media users expressed anger and disappointment over the police action, calling it a violation of democratic rights. “In a democracy, peaceful protest should never be a crime,” wrote one activist on X. “It is shameful that those standing for humanity are being punished, while those spreading hate walk free.”
The police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrests or the allegations of assault. Reports indicate that despite multiple complaints, no action has been taken against the mob accused of attacking the protesters.
The incident in Rohtak is part of a wider national campaign organised by IPSP and BDS India (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions), groups that have been holding solidarity marches and awareness drives in cities including Delhi and Pune. These protests aim to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Across India, our members face harassment and legal threats for standing with the oppressed,” said Mohammed Faisal, a member of BDS India. “We will continue to raise our voices against the genocide taking place in Gaza, no matter how much intimidation we face.”
Activists said the treatment of Muslim and pro-Palestine voices in India reflects a broader climate of intolerance and suppression of dissent. “This crackdown reveals how speaking up for justice is increasingly being criminalised,” said Prof Aslam Parvez, a retired academic and rights advocate. “Muslims and their allies who show solidarity with Palestinians are being silenced under the guise of maintaining law and order.”
Observers warn that the continued targeting of peaceful demonstrators undermines India’s democratic and secular character. “Every citizen, regardless of faith or ideology, has the right to protest peacefully,” said human rights lawyer Imran Ansari. “When state machinery sides with aggressors instead of victims, it weakens the very idea of justice.”
As the detained activists await release, solidarity messages continue to pour in from across the country. Civil society groups have urged authorities to drop all charges and hold accountable those responsible for the violence against protesters.
“The spirit of resistance cannot be jailed,” said one supporter at a candlelight vigil in Delhi. “Standing with Palestine is standing with humanity and no amount of repression will silence that truth.”
