Valley leaders compare Delhi security crackdown to Kashmir restrictions

Delhi police detained several political leaders and protesters ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar. The protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Those detained in the national capital include Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan, Neha Bora, Yogendra Yadav, and Prashant Bhushan. Authorities placed Central Delhi under a 24-hour mobile internet blockade starting at 10 pm on Friday. Roads leading to Jantar Mantar were sealed and trains were halted as part of the security clampdown.

Reactions

Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti compared the security measures to Kashmir, stating that the situation in Delhi is a chilling reminder of past restrictions. She said people were locked in homes and internet services were shut down. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also weighed in on the events. He stated that the Kashmir model had been exported to Delhi, welcoming people to a new version of the capital modeled on Jammu & Kashmir. Omar made these remarks in Delhi, where he had arrived for an INDIA bloc leaders meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.

Context

Internet shutdowns and strict security blockades have frequently been used by authorities in various parts of the country during major political tensions and protests. These measures are typically justified by officials as necessary steps to maintain public order and prevent civil unrest during high-risk demonstrations.