Politics · India · 1 day ago
Delhi protest crackdown draws comparisons to Kashmir lockdown and Emergency
Politicians and students protesting against SIR in New Delhi faced detentions and internet restrictions.
The protesters say they are acting to prevent voters’ names from being deleted, though the process is not explained in the available details.
Opposition leaders compared the restrictions to the 2019 lockdown in Kashmir and said the atmosphere resembled the Emergency.
The comparisons matter because they raise concerns about protest rights and how election-related changes are being handled.
Sonam Wangchuk gave the government 24 hours to release those detained and said he might launch a protest.
The CPM called for demonstrations in Kerala, while Congress announced a large INDIA bloc protest in Delhi for Monday.
Other opposition leaders called for the release of detainees and for the chief election commissioner to resign.
Internet restrictions and arrests during anti-SIR protests in New Delhi prompted opposition leaders to compare the crackdown with Kashmir’s 2019 lockdown and India’s Emergency.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the “Kashmir model” had reached Delhi.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said the restrictions recalled the lockdown after the abrogation of Article 370.
The CPM described the atmosphere as “akin to the Emergency” and called for demonstrations across Kerala.
Opposition leaders also demanded the release of detainees and the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Who
- Protesters and political leaders opposing the crackdown, including Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and the CPM.
- What
- Internet restrictions and arrests during anti-SIR protests drew comparisons to Kashmir’s 2019 lockdown and the Emergency.
- When
- Saturday, according to the article published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- New Delhi, with political reactions also reported from Punjab, Chandigarh, Chennai and Kerala.
- Why
- The protests opposed SIR, and critics condemned the restrictions and detentions.
Opposition critics
Authorities
Crackdown
Opposition critics
Critics condemned internet restrictions and arrests, comparing them with Kashmir’s lockdown and the Emergency.
Authorities
Not stated
Detainees
Opposition critics
Critics demanded that those detained during the protests be released.
Authorities
Not stated
Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi. Welcome to the New Delhi, modelled on New Jammu & Kashmir.
a chilling reminder of Kashmir after the unconstitutional
akin to the Emergency
Barricading #Delhi, shutting down the internet and detaining politicians cannot crush the uprising of India's youth.
The Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and split it into two Union territories.
Internet restrictions and arrests during anti-SIR protests in New Delhi triggered political reactions.
Sonam Wangchuk gave the government 24 hours to release those detained, warning he could stage a protest.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal announced a large INDIA bloc protest in the capital.
- Protest location
- New Delhi
- Protest issue
- SIR
- Restriction cited
- Internet access was shut down
- Historical comparison
- Kashmir lockdown in August 2019
- Detention demand
- Sonam Wangchuk gave the government 24 hours to release those detained
Sources
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