As India and Pakistan addressed the world this morning from the podium at the United Nations General Assembly, what was estimated to be thousands of protestors gathered just outside. Enclosed by metal barricades several blocks away from the UN's diplomatic VIP entrance, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs raised signs in support of Kashmir, the disputed region claimed by both countries since 1947. A smaller protest gathered across the street to welcome Modi.
While there were many verbal arguments, NYPD appears to have avoided any serious physical clashes between the protesters.
"The Kashmiri people are undergoing a two-faceted crisis both humanitarian and political crisis. People have been cut off from their loved ones for over fifty days due to this communication blockade, we are running out of medical supplies there, young boys are being detained, our political leaders are being arrested. This is not a way for India to instil peace and development as they claim as they have revoked article 370," said Zeinab Drabu.
The anti-Modi protesters could be seen hitting a photograph of the Indian PM with their shoes , spitting and chanting "Modi Hitler." One demonstrator could be seen being led away from the protest by police.
Former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu Kashmir , Sultan Mehmood Chaudry said: "Modi, The killer of Kashmir is speaking today, so we are here today, to condemn Indians, what they are doing.There are 900,000 troops that are killing the innocent people of Kashmir."
"I am here to welcome PM Modi, because we are very happy with his work. His idea of development and progress, we feel there is a lot of energy excitement and hope in India which wasn't there because nothing was like happening you know but when he came to power everyone is very hopeful of development. We are also happy about 370 which has been removed because we feel it will bring peace to Kashmir," said Pratyusha Singh, a supporter of Modi.
The pro-Modi protesters could be seen brandishing signs saying, "American loves Modi" and brandishing Indian flags.
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