Kashmir Model Exported to Delhi: Omar Abdullah, Iltija Mufti Question Protest Restrictions

Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of Central Delhi for 24 hours ahead of a protest on October 10 demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, prompting criticism from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti.

The suspension covered an area within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing, from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10. The order followed authorisation by the Union Home Secretary under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024. The restriction applied to mobile internet.

Authorities cited public-order and security concerns ahead of the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar, called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Delhi Police had denied permission for the protest, citing procedural and crowd-management concerns, according to reports.

Abdullah criticised the shutdown in a post on X, saying the “Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi” and describing the capital as being modelled on the “New Jammu and Kashmir”. His remarks referred to restrictions imposed in Jammu and Kashmir, including measures associated with the period after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Mufti also criticised the restrictions, alleging that some right-wing groups were allowed to enter Jantar Mantar while CJP was denied permission. She said measures used to restrict protests in Kashmir were now affecting other parts of India.

Protesters have raised concerns about electoral-roll revisions, while the Election Commission has defended its voter-verification process, according to media reports.

The Supreme Court on October 9 questioned the scale of restrictions affecting transport ahead of the protest and directed authorities to ensure there was no complete prohibition on movement into Delhi by metro and rail. On October 10, police detained several protesters and leaders as security measures were enforced in the capital.

Authorities’ stated justification for the internet suspension was preventive security and public-order management. The suspension was scheduled to end at 10 pm on October 10.