Mass Detention During October 10 Anti-CEC Protest; UN Shows Concern

CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10: On Saturday, the opposition’s INDIA bloc and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organized a large-scale demonstration in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. But before they could go to the event, prominent figures of the protest were arrested by the Delhi Police. Figures such as YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, Ashutosh Ranka, Abhijeet Dipke, and Saurav Das. Neha Bora, the president of AISA, was arrested after she urged demonstrators to assemble at Delhi Haat.

The police also arrested prominent political figures including Tushar Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, and others. According to official report, around 7 000 individuals were arrested and detained over the day.

Delhi Becomes a Fortress

Security was increased around Jantar Mantar and the roads leading there to the protest. Various forces were stationed at strategic locations, and barricades were brought.

Warnings in Hindi and English about meetings, processions, Road blockage, and other activities forbidden by section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were broadcasted over loudspeakers at key significant entry and departure locations.

In order to handle the projected attendance on Saturday, Delhi Police said that over 15,000 forces have been deployed. It is estimated that 26,000 central force personnel will be in the city.

Public transit was also impacted by security measures. Entry and exit at 57 stations prohibited from 9:00 p.m. on Friday through Saturday. It was first announce by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The list work letter updated to include 45 stations.

Citing the potential for severe traffic congestion, the railway also cancelled all mail and express trains arriving at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations.

The UN is “Concerned” about India’s Mass Detention

Concerns over mass detention in Delhi during the ongoing anti-CEC protest were voiced by the UN. The International organisation urged the government to protect citizen’s freedom to peacefully protest.

“We are concerned by reports of mass detentions of demonstrators, protest leaders, members of civil society organizations, lawyers and journalists, before and during today’s large-scale demonstrations in Delhi,” the Office of the High Commissioner for human rights stated in a press release amid on going detentions in Delhi.