By TwoCircles.net staff reporter

New Delhi : The Government of India has deviated from its traditional foreign policy while toeing to the line of Israel and the U.S. in shameful manners. This despite the fact that Israel is pursuing a coercive policy against Palestinians and violating democratic and human rights in Gaza Strip. These views were expressed by Muslim leaders and intellectuals at a sit-in in New Delhi. The dharna and protest was organized at Jantar Mantar by various political and social parties and Muslim organizations to show solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza Strip which is facing humanitarian crisis due to Israeli blockade.

Former Member of Parliament Syed Shahabuddin said our government has deviated from its traditional stance on Israel, an act that does not augur well with our country and humanity in general because democracy and human rights there are being crushed by Israel. He said Israel had been recognized by the country during the tenure of former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru but this was kept secret. Samajwadi Party general secretary and Member of Parliament, Shahid Siddiqui, said it is better to talk with our government than talking with the UN because it is openly aligning with Israel and the U.S. All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat president, Dr Zafarul Islam Khan, said Gaza has been turned into a jail and 80% of its people are living under acute poverty. He said our government supports freedom movements in other countries but it is maintaining silence in the case of Palestine.

Professor Akhtarul Wasey, dean of Islamic Studies department at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, said it is very distressing that the UPA government that was formed with so many expectations has today become a partner of the Western powers.