Tamil Solidarity activists protesting against Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK, 12.11.2015, photo by Isai Priya

Tamil Solidarity activists protesting against Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK, 12.11.2015, photo by Isai Priya   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Isai Priya, Tamil Solidarity trade union coordinator

“Modi, Modi, you can’t hide – you committed genocide!”

Thousands gathered outside 10 Downing Street on 12 November to protest against the visit of Narendra Modi, prime minister of India. Huge police presence and private security surrounded the Hindu nationalist sectarian.

It was a loud and energetic demonstration. Nepalese, Sikhs, Kashmiris, Tamils and members of the oppressed Dalit castes were among the many who came, chanting “caste system – down, down!”

Tamil Solidarity took an active part in this important protest. Our members were able to talk to several mainstream media outlets including the Guardian, Channel 4, ITV and others.

There was huge anger at Tory prime minister David Cameron for welcoming alleged war criminal Modi – first at his home and later on in parliament. “Blood on your hands” and “shame, shame” echoed out against both.

The two austerity leaders, on the other hand, exchanged flattery and made business deals. Cameron announced that 2017 will be a UK-India ‘year of culture’.

He said “the great partnership between India and the UK extends beyond economic ties to the broads of the Bard and the beaches of Bollywood”.

Anti-worker

The only great partnership between the Tories and Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party is that of aggressive pro-big business, anti-worker policies. Both these parties are no friends of workers and the poor.

Ordinary people in Britain need a fighting strategy to unite us against establishment politicians who only serve the interests of big business and millionaires.