A peaceful pro-Palestine demonstration in the Indian capital of Delhi was met with hostility and intimidation as Hindu nationalist groups disrupted the protest while police watched without intervening.
The demonstration took place on July 19 in Nehru Place, one of Delhi’s busiest commercial hubs, and was organised by a coalition of students, academics, artists and activists.
Protestors gathered to denounce Israel’s war on Gaza and the Indian government’s growing support for Israel.
More than 100 people assembled shortly after midday waving Palestinian flags and holding placards with messages like, “Free Palestine,” “Stop the Genocide,” and “Ceasefire Now.”
Leaflets and stickers were distributed to members of the public, prompting conversations about the ongoing genocide in Gaza where over 50,000 people – mostly civilians – have been killed since October 7, 2023.
Despite the protest being peaceful, demonstrators were later surrounded by a hostile crowd. Eyewitnesses said members of the mob demanded protestors raise the Indian flag.
When one protestor complied, the flag was snatched away. The crowd then began chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram,” both terms closely associated with India’s Hindu nationalist groups.
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Tensions escalated when water and mud were thrown at protestors from surrounding buildings. Members of the mob reportedly shouted “Israel Zindabad, Palestine Murdabad,” which means “Long live Israel, death to Palestine.” Organisers later confirmed that Muslim protestors, especially women, were targeted.
“It went really south,” said one demonstrator to 5Pillars. “A Sanghi [right-wing] crowd formed instantly and began aggressive sloganeering. They cornered our Muslim colleague and started harassing women. I saw men surrounding a female participant and shouting at her.”
Police failures
Delhi Police eventually arrived at the scene but failed to quell the mob’s threatening behaviour. Instead, officers demanded documentation from the protestors and took no action against those responsible for harassment and assault.
“This is what democracy looks like in Modi’s India,” said one protestor to 5Pillars. “The police protect the hecklers, not the peaceful demonstrators.”
The incident has worsened long-held concerns about selective law enforcement and the increasing crackdown on dissent in India under Narendra Modi’s BJP government.
India-Israel ties
Protestors also condemned the Indian government for its strengthening of ties with the occupying Zionist entity of Israel.
They criticised New Delhi for abstaining from key UN resolutions condemning Israeli war crimes, for facilitating joint defence projects, and sending Indian workers to replace Palestinians in the Israeli labour market.
“The Indian state has not just remained silent – it’s become an active partner,” said one protestor. “We’re here to call that out.”
Organisers said they deliberately chose Nehru Place – a busy, accessible public space – as a symbol of resistance to the criminalisation of protest in the capital city.
Authorities in Delhi have clamped down on large-scale demonstrations in recent years, particularly those critical of the government.
Despite the intimidation, the organisers said they remain committed to their cause.
“Even in the face of hate, our message is simple: there are Indians who stand – and will continue to stand – with the people of Palestine,” they said in a public statement.
