'New Delhi modelled after new J&K': Omar Abdullah on internet curbs for CJP protest

Omar Abdullah says ‘Kashmir model’ exported to Delhi ahead of protest

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday criticised the suspension of internet services in parts of Delhi, saying the Kashmir model had been “exported” to the national capital."Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi. Welcome to the New Delhi, modelled on the New Jammu and Kashmir," Abdullah said in a post on X.

Omar Abdullah takes dig at Delhi internet curbs, says ‘Kashmir model’ exported

He was referring to reports of internet service suspensions in parts of Central Delhi ahead of a planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday.Security arrangements have been tightened across New Delhi ahead of the ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’ protest scheduled for Saturday, with more than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed.

The demonstration, called by CJP to seek accountability over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, is set to take place at Jantar Mantar despite police denying permission.The Union Home Secretary has also directed states and Union Territories to maintain law and order.

Roads leading to Jantar Mantar are set to be closed, while police have barricaded stretches including Ashoka Road, Tolstoy Marg and Jantar Mantar Lane, where violence, stone-pelting or clashes were reported during the previous protest on July 20.

Mobile internet services are to be suspended within a 4-km radius of Jantar Mantar.Following a request from Delhi Police, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) initially announced the closure of entry and exit gates at 57 stations from 9 pm on October 9, along with reduced train frequency. The list was later curtailed to 45 stations, after the Supreme Court directed the Centre to reconsider the sweeping restrictions. The curbs are expected to remain in place until 6 pm on October 10.