CPI(M) holds Palestine Solidarity Day in Silchar, Calls for peace amidst Israel-Palestine conflict

In a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemnation of the recent escalation in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Cachar District Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), commonly abbreviated as CPI(M), organised a Palestine Solidarity Day in Silchar. The event aimed to express support for Palestinians who have been enduring what the CPI(M) describes as “brutality” at the hands of Israeli forces.

The CPI(M) presented three main demands during the protest:

1) Termination of hostilities between Hamas and Israel and restoration of peace in the region

2) An end to what they describe as “atrocities inflicted on Palestinians by Israelis”

3) Furthermore, the establishment of a Palestinian nation, based on the resolution adopted by the United Nations in 1948.

Speaking to reporters, CPI(M) Cachar District Secretary, Dulal Mitra, expressed his concern about the deep divisions that have arisen worldwide due to the recent Israel-Palestine conflict. He highlighted two factions emerging from this crisis, one consisting of “capitalistic countries with imperialistic tendencies” like Great Britain, France and the United States of America. The other side comprising of “numerous countries” that support the Palestinian cause, including Russia, China, Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. This growing divide has raised apprehensions of a potential dystopic World War III, according to Mitra.

The CPI(M) also criticised the stance taken by the BJP-led Central Government in India, labelling it “unfortunate” for its support to Israel alongside the United States. The Marxist party which arose after a split from the CPI in 1964 argued that this support was unprecedented as no previous government in India sided with Israel in the conflict and also given the view that Israel has “captured” Palestinian land, making Palestinians outsiders in their “native country.”

Due to global pressure, the Indian Government did condemn the “horrific barbarism” against Palestinians by Israelis. However, it has yet to officially recognise the formation of a Palestinian nation based on the United Nations’ 1948 resolution.

It maybe mentioned that the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be traced back to the late 19th century when Zionists sought to establish a homeland for the Jewish people in Ottoman-controlled Palestine (as per Wikipedia).

The most recent outbreak of armed conflict between Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups and Israeli military forces began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas attack on southern Israel. This led to extensive Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip and a subsequent invasion of Gaza. By the end of October, the conflict had claimed more than 1,500 Israeli lives and over 8,000 Palestinian lives, including more than 3,000 children. Additionally, more than 230 Israelis and foreign nationals were reported captured or taken as hostages during the conflict. The situation remains a global concern as efforts continue to reach a peaceful resolution.