Protest Held Against Israeli Participation in Education Summit in Hyderabad

The participation of three prominent Israeli universities in the Indo-Global Education Summit that began in Hyderabad today drew a spirited protest by activists of several democratic organisations. The venue of the summit, Taj Deccan hotel in the posh Banjara Hills, was laid siege by hundreds of protesters who carried placards 'End Blockade of Palestine', No to Israeli Universities' etc.

The police, which was deployed in large numbers at the hotel in view of the protest, swooped on the protesters and tried to prevent them from surging into the hotel. Severe scuffle ensued when the police tried to evict the protesets. Traffic came to a standstill for around half an hour on the busy thoroughfare. The police arrested the protesters and shifted them to Banjara Hills police station. 

Tel Aviv University, Technion, and Haifa University are the three Israeli universities that have been invited to participate in the Summit by the organisers 'The Indus Foundation'. Speaking to media persons, former MP of CPI(M) P Madhu said “UPA government's continued effort to collaborate with Israeli regime is condemnable. The Israeli state daily tramples on the academic freedom and cultural life of the Palestinian people. Cooperating with the instruments of such a state is unprincipled.”

The protest was called by organisations SFI, DYFI, AIDWA, Aawaz, AILU, Indo Arab League, Confederation of Voluntary Associations and others. The protesters who went in a rally to the summit venue protesting collaboration efforts of Indian government with Israeli government. Students, Teachers, Lawyers, doctors, workers and many more democratic minded people from different walks of life were amongst the protestors. CPI(M) former MP, P Madhu, Central Committee members M A Gafoor and S Veeraiah were among those who led the protest.

Earlier, a round table discussion was organised on this issue on September 3 in which why the collaboration with Israel must be opposed was effectively explained. It got wide coverage in the media. Pamphlets explaining the issue were distributed in various universities and among various sections of people. All this campaign reflected in the effective protest held today.