Internet Shut Down Around Jantar Mantar in Delhi; Students Fear Crackdown

Darwin, 24 July : Student protests in New Delhi against alleged question paper leaks and corruption in India’s National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions continue. Amid the ongoing demonstrations, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the suspension of mobile internet services within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar, the epicentre of the protests.

In this situation, protesting students expressed fears of a large-scale crackdown overnight on Thursday, according to The Times of India.

However, Delhi Police denied the allegations that it was planning an operation to suppress the protests. In a statement, the police said no such plan existed and urged the public to refrain from spreading or sharing “misleading” and “unverified” information.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that mobile internet services would remain suspended from 4:00 p.m. until midnight on Thursday within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar to ensure security following isolated incidents of violence in different areas.

Earlier, authorities had already deployed high-powered mobile signal jammers in designated locations from Wednesday night as part of enhanced security measures to manage the tense situation.

The central government took the stricter measures after several incidents of violence in Connaught Place and Central Delhi, in which at least six police personnel were injured.

On Tuesday, protesters in nearby Connaught Place allegedly attacked a 45-year-old member of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) with sticks and swords, leaving him seriously injured.

The suspension of mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar came amid fears that tensions surrounding the protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) could escalate further. Reports of sporadic clashes and violence emerged in and around the protest site on Wednesday evening.

To maintain law and order, a large number of police personnel have been deployed in and around Jantar Mantar. Police sources said that at least six officers, including two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), were injured during the clashes.

Amid heightened security concerns, the New Delhi Traders’ Association (NDTA) instructed all shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place (Rajiv Chowk) to close by 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The advisory was issued after the association said it had received telephone instructions from the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). Citing the “critical situation” around Connaught Place due to the ongoing CJP protests, the traders’ body urged all commercial establishments to suspend business operations.

The advisory stated that the precautionary measure was intended to prevent any untoward incidents, damage to property, or casualties.

NDTA representatives said the decision was taken after the NDMC informed them of the massive crowd gathering in and around Connaught Place.

Explaining the decision, NDTA President Atul Bhargava said the closure was necessary to ensure the safety of employees and customers.

“There was a huge gathering in Connaught Place, with thousands of people assembling in the area. Considering the evolving situation and in the interest of the safety of our staff and customers, we decided to shut down shops as quickly as possible as a precautionary measure,” he said.