New Delhi: After two days of protests and detentions in Delhi, activists have called for another mobilisation on Sunday, Citizens' March, from India Gate to Jantar Mantar.
The latest call comes amid continuing demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
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The mobilisation has also taken a sharper focus on the treatment of women protesters and journalists.
“From Streets to Protests, Women Are NOT SAFE!” activist Neha Bora said in a call for Sunday’s march, accusing Delhi Police of assaulting women protesters and journalists. They called on people to “rise against Delhi Police”, oppose what they described as “anti-women SIR”, and demand Kumar’s removal.
The proposed Citizens’ March is scheduled to begin at India Gate at 4 pm on Sunday, October 4, and proceed towards Jantar Mantar.
On Friday, more than 500 protesters were detained as opposition parties and student organisations attempted to gather near Jantar Mantar. Among those detained were AISA national president Neha Bora, AAP leaders and activist Yogendra Yadav.
Bora subsequently called on protesters to return to Jantar Mantar. On Saturday, she and several others were again detained while marching towards the protest site. Police said permission had not been granted for the demonstrations.
Bora alleged that Delhi Police used force against peaceful protesters and detained demonstrators without giving a clear reason. She also alleged that some officers were not wearing nameplates.
AISA members further alleged that a male police officer manhandled Bora and that another officer abused her. These allegations could not be independently verified immediately.
In another post, Bora said protesting students tried to stop a police bus carrying detained students as they attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar.
She has described the renewed mobilisation as 'Jantar Mantar 2.0', saying the protest would continue until Kumar is removed.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has also been campaigning for Kumar’s resignation, separately criticised the police action, describing it as “brutality against peaceful protesters” and accusing authorities of suppressing dissent.
The protests have now entered another phase, with activists preparing for Sunday's march and further mobilisation around the SIR debate.
(With inputs from agencies)
