Full Breakdown
Delhi’s “Kashmir Model” Internet Shutdown and Security Clampdown Ahead of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Protest
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Internet Suspension and Massive Security Deployment
On the night of October 9, the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered a 24-hour mobile-internet suspension within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing in central Delhi, effective until 6 p.m. on October 10. Simultaneously, authorities denied the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) permission to protest at Jantar Mantar and deployed police and paramilitary forces, erecting barricades and installing over 300 audio-enabled CCTV cameras.
Background & Context
The CJP, founded by Abhijit Dipke, announced on October 3 a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged roll-list irregularities.
Data & Statistics
- Internet suspension: 4 km radius, 24 hours, Oct 9–10.
- Metro disruptions: Initially 57 stations closed, later reduced to 45; another report cited “more than 55”.
- Security personnel: Estimates range from 20,000 (official) to 35,000 police/BSF jawans, with the Punjab chief minister claiming 80,000–90,000.
- Detentions: About 500 protesters and 50–60 lawyers were briefly held before release following a CJI directive.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the internet suspension and directed additional Central Armed Police Forces to assist Delhi Police.
- Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan instructed states and UTs to coordinate on law-and-order measures.
- The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) wrote to the Chief Justice of India; the CJI ordered the immediate release of detained lawyers.
Criticism & Opposition
- Omar Abdullah, J&K chief minister, likened the curbs to the “Kashmir model.”
- Bhagwant Mann, Punjab chief minister, called Delhi a “fortress” and highlighted the scale of deployment, noting the protesters were “students, unarmed.”
- Pragya Baghel, SCBA honorary secretary, urged an examination of the reported use of force.
On-the-Ground Reports
Police barricaded Ashoka Road, Tolstoy Marg and Jantar Mantar Lane, warning the public via loudspeakers to respect Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Approximately 500 demonstrators were detained near the protest site, and 50–60 senior and women lawyers were briefly held near the Supreme Court before release.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi. Welcome to the New Delhi, modelled on New Jammu & Kashmir,” — Omar Abdullah
- “Around 80,000 to 90,000 security personnel have been deployed. They (the protesters) are students, they are unarmed. They came for democracy that their votes should not be deleted,” — Bhagwant Mann
- “Entire Delhi has been turned into a fortress.” — Bhagwant Mann
- “We also request that the reported use of force be examined and appropriate action taken in accordance with law,” — Pragya Baghel
What’s Next
The internet suspension and security measures remain in force until 6 p.m. on October 10. No further protest permission has been granted; authorities say curbs will be lifted after that time pending additional security assessments.