Internet Suspended for 24 Hours Ahead of Jantar Mantar Protest
Mobile internet services will remain suspended for 24 hours in a four-kilometre area around Janpath and Kartavya Path in New Delhi amid concerns over possible unrest surrounding a protest scheduled for Saturday (October 10).
The Kokroach Janata Party (CJP) has called protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Authorities have also tightened security measures.
According to a report by Indian media outlet NDTV on Friday (October 9), mobile internet services will remain suspended in the area from 10pm Friday to 10pm Saturday. Restrictions are also being imposed at metro stations, with a large number of security personnel set to be deployed.
The CJP and opposition parties are demanding Mr. Kumar’s resignation, alleging that large numbers of people have been removed from electoral rolls. They claim that genuine voters are being excluded in the name of electoral roll revision, potentially affecting election results. The opposition has also alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gaining a political advantage from the process.
Controversy continues across several Indian states over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties are demanding transparency in the removal of names and calling on the Election Commission to remain impartial. These allegations have prompted calls for the chief election commissioner’s resignation.
The decision to suspend internet services and impose restrictions on metro operations ahead of the protest has raised concerns about its impact on public movement and daily activities in key parts of the capital. Authorities are preparing to manage the situation on the day of the demonstration.
