Delhi police warn residents ahead of planned Jantar Mantar protest

Delhi police stepped up preparations for an October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar. Organisers are demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and an end to the intensive revision of electoral rolls.

The Hindu reported that officers were calling volunteers, meeting students and residents, and using loudspeakers to warn of restrictions on gatherings in the New Delhi area. Some residents fear detention and are uncertain whether to attend.

Salauddeen, president of the Matia Mahal Traders’ Organisation, told the newspaper that shopkeepers and young people had been asked not to accept bulk food orders for protesters. North Delhi Residents’ Welfare Federation president Ashok Bhasin said his association intended to participate despite calls from police.

Youth and women’s organisations are conducting door-to-door campaigns among domestic workers, daily-wage earners and factory workers. Naureen of the Disha Students’ Organisation said people whose names might have been removed from electoral rolls lacked information about the process. That assessment was the activist’s account to the newspaper.

Police preparations continued on October 9. Indian Express reported that a man had been detained for allegedly distributing posters urging people to attend. Police also warned of possible traffic diversions from the morning of October 10. Organisers continue their mobilisation, while police warn of risks to public order.