Over 100 of them were later detained by police. New Delhi: Hundreds of protesters, including students, farmers and civil society organisations, gathered in central Delhi Friday to demand the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the scrapping of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which prohibits unlawful assemblies under specified circumstances, was imposed in the area, according to police sources. Demonstrations have been planned in 88 cities across 18 states, involving 145 organisations, from Oct 23 to Nov 1, organisers said.
We will continue this struggle,” Satendra said. Naaz, a citizen group member, said she had helped several people to fill SIR forms and complete other formalities. Around 2pm, police asked the crowd to disperse. As the march proceeded towards the ECI headquarters, several protesters were detained. Among those who travelled to Delhi were Satendra and Sompal Singh, farmers from Sambhal in UP. “We have travelled nearly 150km to be here. “Protests are not confined to Delhi. “Despite all documents, they were left out of the list. Traffic diversions were enforced between 1pm and 5pm, affecting roads around Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Connaught Place, Parliament Street and Jantar Mantar.
This is happening everywhere in India today,” said Devang, a student organisation member.