Mumbai, June 19 – A planned pro-Palestine rally at Azad Maidan was thwarted on Wednesday after Mumbai Police detained at least 19 individuals and issued preventive notices, citing concerns over law and order. The rally, organized by the India-Palestine Solidarity Forum alongside several Left-leaning political and civil society groups, was part of a nationwide protest call issued by Left parties.
Though similar rallies were held across other Indian cities, Mumbai witnessed a significant police crackdown. Permission for the protest was denied on Tuesday, with authorities citing diplomatic sensitivities and the risk of communal unrest. On Wednesday morning, several activists reported police visits to their homes; some were taken into custody under preventive provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act and Indian Civil Protection Code.
Among those detained were members of the Communist Party of India, Samajwadi Party, Peasants and Workers Party, CPI (ML) Liberation, and the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO). Feroze Mithiborwala, founder of the India Palestine Solidarity Forum, was held at MIDC police station for nearly eight hours. “This is part of a coordinated attempt to suppress peaceful dissent,” he said.
SIO State Secretary Uzair Ahmed condemned the detentions, calling them “a direct attack on democratic rights.” Several other activists alleged that the move was politically driven and influenced by pressure from right-wing groups.
Leaders of the Bajrang Dal, who had earlier filed complaints opposing the rally, praised the police action, claiming the event was an attempt to stoke communal tensions.
Mumbai Police defended their decision, stating the actions were preventive and aimed at maintaining public order in a highly sensitive environment. As political reactions unfold, the crackdown has reignited debate on civil liberties and the right to peaceful protest in India’s financial capital.
