Stories
Delhi Lockdown: Heavy Security And Internet Blackout Imposed To Block Jantar Mantar Protest
- •Delhi Police deployed approximately 35,000 security personnel and set up over 30 blockade points across central Delhi and city borders to prevent protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar.
- •Mobile internet services were suspended within a 4 km radius, and entry and exit at 45 metro stations were halted until further notice.
- •Police denied permission to the CJP for the demonstration, citing short-notice application and past violations of lawful directions during June-July protests.
- •CJP co-convener Saurav Das rejected the police stance, criticizing the requirement to seek government permission to protest as a colonial mindset.
Key Questions Answered
Delhi Police stated that the CJP submitted its application at very short notice on October 7 instead of the required 10 days before the event. Authorities also cited the group's conduct during June-July protests, where a permitted one-day gathering lasted about a month, resulted in over 200 injured police personnel, and saw participation from people with criminal antecedents.
Authorities mobilized roughly 35,000 security personnel, set up over 30 blockade points at city borders, suspended mobile internet services within a 4 km radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing, and temporarily halted entry and exit at 45 metro stations.
CJP co-convener Saurav Das rejected the police explanation, stating that authorities had known about the protest since October 2 and that the permission process reflects an absurd "colonial mindset".
