India protects Human Rights of Palestinians: PM

New Delhi, Feb 21: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has reiterated India's ''consistent and unwavering'' support for the people of Palestine and protection of their human rights.

''It is our firm belief that the conflict between the Palestinian people and the State of Israel cannot be resolved through the use of force. We have consistently called upon all sides to abjure violence and resolve this issue through direct, peaceful dialogue that seeks the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living side-by-side with Israel,''he said in a letter to Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari.

The Shahi Imam had recently written to the Prime Minister, urging that India must play a leading role in the resolution of the Palestine issue and express solidarity with the Palestinians in their just struggle for an independent homeland.

The Shahi Imam had also alleged that the Israeli bloackade of Gaza was aimed at ruining the lives of thousands of Palestinians, in violation of human rights and international laws.

UNI