Mumbai— The police action to prevent peaceful demonstrations in support of Palestine has drawn widespread criticism from activists and human rights organizations. The Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO) has condemned the Maharashtra Police for obstructing and detaining its members during Al Quds Day observances across the state.

Observed globally on the last Friday of Ramadan, Al Quds Day is a symbolic occasion to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle against Israeli occupation. In light of the ongoing violence in Gaza, this year’s observance carried even greater significance. Across the world, people marked the day by raising awareness and calling for justice for Palestine.

SIO, which has been organizing Al Quds Day events across India for years, had planned a series of peaceful awareness campaigns, including signature drives and pamphlet distribution. However, in Maharashtra, these initiatives were met with police resistance. In multiple cities, activists were detained and prevented from carrying out their activities.

“We strongly condemn this heavy-handed approach by the Maharashtra Police. The right to freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right, and such actions set a dangerous precedent,” said an SIO spokesperson. “Suppressing peaceful demonstrations on such a crucial humanitarian issue reflects a lack of empathy within the police and administration.”

SIO has urged the government to uphold constitutional rights and ensure that citizens can voice their concerns on global humanitarian crises without fear of repression. The organization has called upon civil society and rights groups to stand against what it describes as an unjust curtailment of democratic freedoms.

The incident has sparked a debate about the shrinking space for peaceful protests in India, with activists warning against increasing restrictions on freedom of expression. As tensions in Gaza continue, supporters of the Palestinian cause argue that international solidarity must not be stifled through administrative pressure.

While no official statement has been issued by the Maharashtra Police regarding the detentions, activists have vowed to continue raising awareness and advocating for Palestine, despite the obstacles.

The crackdown on Al Quds Day demonstrations has added to the growing concerns over civil liberties in India, with many calling for immediate policy reforms to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly and free expression.