2 hrs ago
Delhi Protesters Detained as Calls for Nationwide Movement Grow
People protested in New Delhi and called for election chief Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
They were also worried about changes to voter lists and whether those changes could affect voting rights.
Because Jantar Mantar was closed to protesters, many gathered in nearby Connaught Place and tried to march toward it.
The reports say more than 200 people were detained.
Protest groups said police used too much force, while police registered cases connected to the demonstrations.
John Brittas, a member of Parliament, collapsed while being detained and went to hospital.
Protest organizers said they would continue their campaign across the country.
Congress leaders also announced plans to take up the issue on Monday.
Hundreds marched toward Jantar Mantar on Sunday to demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over concerns about electoral-roll revision.
With Jantar Mantar inaccessible, protesters gathered in Connaught Place; the reports say more than 200 people were detained during the crackdown.
Protest groups alleged excessive force and assaults, including on women demonstrators; police officials said 20 FIRs were registered in connection with the protests.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas collapsed while being detained and was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital; he and his party accused police of excessive force.
Organizers called for a nationwide campaign; Congress announced action for Monday, and Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi planned to meet the Chief Justice of India.
- Who
- Protesters, including student groups, activists and opposition figures, and Delhi Police.
- What
- A protest calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation was met with mass detentions and allegations of police brutality.
- Where
- Connaught Place and the area around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
- When
- Sunday, the second day of protests; further political actions were planned for Monday.
- Why
- Protesters opposed the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, arguing it raises concerns about voting rights.
Protesters and Opposition
Police and Authorities
Police conduct and detentions
Protesters and Opposition
Protesters, political leaders and student groups alleged excessive force, assaults and unjustified detentions, including of journalists.
Police and Authorities
The reports say Delhi Police maintained heavy security and registered 20 FIRs, including charges of assault on police officers; they do not include a direct police response to the allegations.
Electoral-roll revision
Protesters and Opposition
CJP and allied protesters argued that the Special Intensive Revision raises questions about voting rights and should concern more than one political party.
Police and Authorities
The articles report that the protest site was restricted and demonstrators were prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar, but do not provide an official response to the protesters’ claims about the revision.
Key facts
- Reported detentions
- More than 200 protesters were detained, according to the articles.
- Police cases
- Delhi Police registered 20 FIRs connected to the protests; one report specifies these were registered in connection with Saturday’s protest.
- Main demand
- Protesters called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
- Protest locations
- Jantar Mantar remained inaccessible to protesters, who gathered in nearby Connaught Place.
- John Brittas
- The CPI(M) MP collapsed on the steps of a police bus and was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
- Leaders released
- CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were released after appearing before an executive magistrate, on a condition against breaching the peace for a year.
- Planned Monday actions
- Congress announced a nationwide movement; Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi scheduled a meeting with the Chief Justice of India.
Quotes
John Brittas
CPI(M) member of Parliament who was injured during the protest.
“They have said there should be no breach of peace for a year. The breach of peace has been caused by (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi, (Union home minister) Amit Shah and Mr Kumar.”
deccanchronicle.com
deccanchronicle.com
“We are on the streets; we will stay on the streets. We will abide by the Constitution.”
deccanchronicle.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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