Kannur: In yet another instance of action against pro-Palestine voices in India, Kerala Police registered an FIR against the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO) for holding a solidarity demonstration in Kannur’s Madayippara.
The FIR, filed suo motu by Pazhayangadi Police, names GIO Kerala General Secretary Afra Shihab along with 30 other members. They have been charged under Sections 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 191(2) (rioting), and 192 read with 190 (liability for offences by unlawful assembly) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
According to police, the group “unlawfully assembled with the intent to cause disturbance in society” by raising Palestinian flags, banners, and chanting slogans like “Free Palestine,” “Down with occupation,” and “Israel is a terrorist state.” The demonstration reportedly took place without prior permission, sparking objections from other unnamed organisations.
The move has triggered criticism of the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which has previously projected itself as supportive of the Palestinian cause. Former GIO president Afeeda Ahammed called the case “political hypocrisy,” pointing out that the same police force had earlier displayed Palestinian solidarity at political events.
Similarly, SIO Kannur district president Nidhal Siraj condemned the FIR, stating: “If the attempt is to suppress pro-Palestine protests, our resistance will only continue. The voices for Palestine and justice will not be silenced.”
The controversy unfolds at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s relentless bombardment and blockade have killed over 64,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and left more than 162,000 wounded. Civilian populations continue to face starvation and displacement.
Despite Kerala leaders publicly voicing solidarity with Palestine, activists argue that police action against peaceful protesters exposes a double standard. GIO has announced another solidarity event on Sunday at Payyambalam Beach in Kannur.
This is not an isolated case. Across India, pro-Palestine activists and students have been repeatedly booked for rallies, flag displays, and social media posts. In August, AMU student leader Talha Mannan and several others were also charged for raising pro-Palestine slogans during campus protests.
 in Kannur for a pro-Palestine protest, sparking criticism over double standards and political hypocrisy.){kind=link}