Delhi Police use mosque, markets to warn people against joining October 10 protest
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New Delhi: The Delhi Police have used a mosque in Old Delhi and other public places to advise people against participating in what the force has described as an “unlawful” protest planned at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
A video circulating on social media shows a police officer addressing people from a mosque in the walled city area. The officer urges residents to caution their children and family members against joining what he calls an “unnecessary protest”.
“Don’t believe in any rumours or pay attention to them. Don’t fall prey to any inciting message; be a responsible citizen and adhere to the law. Cooperate with the police and the administration to maintain the security of your area,” the officer says in the video.
He also says that people should not participate in protests while the administration is carrying out its duties.
The police advisory comes amid daily demonstrations by Opposition parties seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Cockroach Janta Party has announced a major protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, prompting heightened security arrangements in the capital.
Senior Delhi Police officers said similar messages had been issued at other places of worship, marketplaces and public gathering points. They said the outreach was intended to prevent young people from being misled into joining an assembly that had not received permission.
“There has not been any permission given for any such larger mobilisation 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 officer was quoted as saying.
The officer said the gatherings were being treated as unlawful assemblies and that instructions had been issued since the protests began.
Referring to the video, another senior police officer said the officer’s purpose was to caution young people against joining an unauthorised gathering.
The police have maintained that their public messaging is aimed at preventing rumours, maintaining law and order and informing residents about the restrictions in force.