Kochi: In a controversial move, the Kerala Police on Tuesday detained eight individuals who were participating in a peaceful gathering organized to protest the recent spate of attacks on Kashmiris. The event was held in Kochi and was aimed at expressing solidarity with the victims and demanding action against those responsible for the violence, reported the Madhyamam.
The activists were reportedly taken into custody without any warning, despite the protest being conducted in a non-violent and orderly manner. Eyewitnesses and participants expressed shock over the police action, calling it an infringement on democratic rights and freedom of expression.
The gathering was part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about increasing hate crimes and discrimination against Kashmiris in different parts of the country following recent incidents in Jammu & Kashmir.
Rights groups and civil society members have condemned the detentions, urging the Kerala government to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest.
