India police jail 21 Kashmiris amid pro-Palestinian rallies

Police in Indian-controlled Kashmir have arrested at least 21 people for expressing solidarity with Palestine and rallying against Israel’s military offensive against Gaza

SRINAGAR, India -- Police in Indian-controlled Kashmir said Saturday that 21 people were arrested for disturbing public order by expressing solidarity with Palestine and holding protests against Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Police said in a statement they were keeping a “close watch on elements who are attempting to leverage the unfortunate situation in Palestine to disturb public peace and order” in Kashmir. The statement said police were “sensitive to public anguish” but wouldn't allow those sentiments to "trigger violence, lawlessness and disorder.” The Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. Kashmiris have long shown strong solidarity with Palestinians and have often staged anti-Israel protests when fighting broke out in Gaza. Police inspector-general Vijay Kumar told reporters that 20 people were arrested in Srinagar, the region’s main city, and one from a village in southern Kashmir.