Across the country, the protest demonstrations strongly condemned the genocide and war crimes committed by the Israeli government in Gaza, and denounced the ongoing military aggression across the region, including against Iran, by the Israel–US imperialist axis. Protesters warned that the expansion of this axis represents a grave threat to peace, justice and sovereignty in West Asia.
In Delhi, a united protest at Jantar Mantar saw participants declare unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for justice, dignity and self-determination. Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary of CPI(ML), said, “India’s long-standing anti-colonial and pro-Palestinian position is being abandoned under the Modi regime. This silence in the face of genocide is not neutrality — it is complicity.” He urged the people of India to reclaim the country’s principled stance in support of liberation struggles and against imperialist domination.
CPI General Secretary D. Raja and CPI(M) General Secretary M. A. Baby also addressed the protest, reaffirming their commitment to the Palestinian cause and demanding an immediate end to all military and security cooperation with Israel.
In Kolkata, a massive rally led by the five Left parties marched from the Lenin statue at Esplanade to the Ho Chi Minh statue at Ho Chi Minh Sarani. Though entirely peaceful, the march was stopped by police at Park Street, where a protest meeting was held. Atanu Chakravarty of CPI(ML) said, “Gaza is a moral test for the world. India must stand with the oppressed, not with their oppressors.” Other speakers included Kartik Pal (CPI(ML) Politburo), Md Salim (CPI(M) State Secretary), Manoj Bhattacharya (RSP General Secretary), Debabrata Roy (AIFB), and leaders of CPI.Protests were also held in Nadia district of West Bengal.
In Bihar, Left parties including CPI(ML), CPI, CPI(M), AIFB and RSP held coordinated protests across the state. In Patna, a march from GPO Golambar culminated in a mass meeting at Buddha Smriti Park. Meena Tiwari, General Secretary of AIPWA, called for global unity against the apartheid state of Israel.
CPI(ML) MLA Mahboob Alam criticised the Indian government for departing from its anti-imperialist legacy and expressed continued solidarity with the Palestinian resistance. CPI(ML) State Secretary Kunal, CPI leaders Gajanfar Nawab and Abhyuday, and others also addressed the gathering. Similar protests took place in Gaya, Nawada, Karakat, and East Champaran.
Protests were also held in Tamil Nadu on June 17, including in Kumbakonam, Nellai, Kanyakumari, and Thoothukudi. In Andhra Pradesh, joint protests took place in Vijayawada, Kakinada, and Anantapur.
In Punjab, demonstrations were held in Mansa, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar. In Uttar Pradesh, coordinated district-level protests registered strong opposition to genocide and apartheid. In Jharkhand, youth and workers gathered in Ranchi to rally in support of the Palestinian people. Assam too saw public meetings and marches demanding an end to Indian complicity and military ties with Israel.
