Pune Protest Demands Humanitarian Aid for Palestinians Amid Conflict

Pune, 23rd August 2025: Various left-leaning and progressive organizations held a protest outside the Collector’s Office in Pune, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian national liberation movement.

The demonstration was organized by the Revolutionary Workers’ Party of India (RWPI) along with BDS India, Naujawan Bharat Sabha (NBS), Disha Students’ Organization, Indian People in Solidarity with Palestine (IPSP), and other citizens, youth, and students committed to justice and human rights.

Parmeshwar Jadhav and T. Lalita spoke on behalf of RWPI, while Abhijit A M, a researcher, Swapnaja Limkar from BDS India, and representatives of Disha and NBS also addressed the gathering. Several local citizens voiced support for the protest.

Speakers emphasized that the issue is not about religion or places of worship but about imperialism and the right to freedom for a colonized nation. They noted that Palestinians are a multi-religious and multi-ethnic people, including Muslims, Christians, Jews, Druze, and Bedouins. According to the organizers, media coverage often frames the conflict along religious lines, obscuring the broader struggle against imperialism.

“The ideology of Zionism emerged with British-American support, and Israel was established as a settler colony against the wishes of countries like India. It continues to protect imperialist interests through wars and acts of terror,” said one speaker. They recalled that while India gained independence from colonial rule, Palestinians have been fighting for freedom since 1948, garnering support from millions worldwide.

T. Lalita highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, citing that over 62,000 people, including nearly 19,000 children, have been killed. Lalita said Israel’s military actions include blockades, targeting of civilians, and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching those in need, leading to famine conditions. “Sections of Israeli society oppose these measures, but leaders are openly supporting genocide,” Lalita added.

The protest concluded with demands for the Indian government to vote against Israel in the United Nations, sever all commercial and political ties with the country, and ensure immediate aid reaches the Palestinian people.