As the spirit of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) demonstration in Delhi stirred in the air, a police officer addressed worshippers at a mosque in the historic Chandni Chowk area, appealing to them to maintain peace and refrain from participating in protests. The officer, in the viral video, could be heard urging worshippers to counsel their children and family members against joining gatherings that could potentially disrupt public order.
Addressing worshippers through the public-address system at Shahi Masjid, near Town Hall in Old Delhi, the officer appealed to them to remain vigilant against rumors and provocative messages and cooperate with the police and administration.
Furthermore, highlighting the need for restraint, the officer asked those present to advise their friends, relatives, and children against becoming part of crowds or joining demonstrations unnecessarily.
“Please make your children and family members aware that they should not participate in any unnecessary protests,” said police personnel in a video making rounds on the internet.
The police stated that no permission has been granted for any larger mobilization in Delhi. Ahead of the protest as many as 20,000 security personnel have been deployed in Delhi.
“There has not been any permission given for any such larger mobilization of people on the streets in the Capital over the last few days, and the situation remains the same for the protest call given for 10 October,” a senior Delhi Police officer said as reported by The Print.
“There is no ambiguity that all of these mobilizations are unlawful assemblies, and hence instructions have been issued over the last few days since the protests are underway,” he added.
The restrictions have also become the subject of a legal challenge before the Supreme Court. During the proceedings, lawyers raised concerns over reported metro station closures, train cancellations, and alleged restrictions on public movement in connection with the planned protest. The Supreme Court as reported by the India Today that a balance must be maintained between citizens’ right to protest and the public’s ability to access essential facilities. It sought the actual police order to examine the restrictions imposed ahead of the demonstration.
