MANUU protests against T-Hub event featuring Israeli firms

Hyderabad: The MANUU Students Collective (MSC) organised a protest at Maulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad on Sunday, November 15, with students and members of other student organisations opposing the Telangana government’s initiative to facilitate an engagement with Israeli companies at T-Hub.

The protesters questioned how the Revanth Reddy-led Telangana government could host and facilitate business and technology engagements with Israeli companies when Israel’s military actions in Palestine have resulted in widespread devastation.

Siasat.com, in its report, highlighted that T-Hub, the Telangana government’s start-up incubator, will host 20 Israeli technology companies. A close look at the list revealed that at least 11 of the participants have ties to the Israeli military, effectively playing a role in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Protesters question Congress’ ‘hypocrisy’

Addressing the gathering, student leader Swaleh Ansari said, “What kind of hypocrisy is this? On the one hand, the Congress party speaks about standing with Palestine, while on the other hand, platforms are being provided in the name of technology and business to entities facing serious questions over their links with Israel’s military actions.”

SIO MANUU unit president Ikram Ul Haque condemned the Telangana government’s move and said that serious concerns raised by human rights organisations cannot be ignored.

Ibrahim Junaidi of the MANUU Students Collective (MSC) said that programmes such as those being organised at T-Hub should not be viewed merely as technological development. He said it was essential to examine the nature of the participating companies, their technologies and their possible links to military operations and human rights violations.

Society and moral responsibility

Sara Talib Khan, president of the Girls Islamic Organisation, MANUU unit, remembered those who lost their lives in Palestine and said that society must reflect on its moral responsibility before engaging with companies and institutions accused of contributing to human rights violations.

Hazra, joint secretary of the MANUU Students Union, said students must raise their voices on issues concerning humanity, justice and the rights of the Palestinian people.

Aurangzeb Khan of AUSF spoke in detail about India’s historical position and its tradition of solidarity with Palestine.

Abid Raza from the ANSA panel and Dayyan from ASL (Department of MCJ) also addressed the gathering and called for standing with Palestine on the basis of humanity and raising questions regarding companies accused of being connected with or facilitating violence and violations against Palestinians.

Assessment of participating firms needed

The protesters demanded an independent and transparent human rights assessment of the Israeli companies participating in the proposed programme, particularly regarding their possible links with military activities and human rights violations. They demanded that participation and business engagements be put on hold until such an assessment is completed.

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