Bengaluru police refuse permission for pro-Palestine event, organisers write to CM protesting decision

Bengaluru for Justice and Peace – a coalition of civil society organisations – has written an open letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah protesting against the Bengaluru police’s refusal to grant permission for a pro-Palestine event.

In the open letter, Bengaluru for Justice and Peace wrote, “We are writing to you in great disappointment in regard to the manner in which your Government has been clamping down on protests that have demanded an end to the genocide taking place in Palestine and demanding justice for the people of Palestine and for peace in the Israel-Palestine region. Not only have the police been denying permissions, but in fact they have even registered FIRs against peaceful protestors.”

Responding to the organisation’s application to hold a blood donation camp and a demonstration over the Israel-Palestine conflict, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S Girish earlier said, “The permission has been sought to hold protests on… international issue and there is a threat to law and order, the permission has been denied.”

Vinay Srinivas, a member of Bengaluru for Justice and Peace, said, “We had approached for permission and initially it was denied. Later, we again approached to reconsider (the decision) but again it was denied.”

It can be recalled that on October 16, the Cubbon Park police in Bengaluru booked 11 people, among others, for holding a pro-Palestine rally on MG Road without permission.