The United Nations on Saturday expressed concerns over "mass detentions" in Delhi amid the ongoing anti-CEC protest. The international organisation called on the authorities to uphold the people's right to assemble peacefully.
Protesters being dispersed by Delhi Police amid CJP Protest at Connaught Place, in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The remarks came as Delhi Police detained over 4,000 people marching towards Jantar Mantar to hold a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the function of the poll body.
In a press release issued amid ongoing detentions in Delhi, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said, “We are concerned by reports of mass detentions of demonstrators, protest leaders, members of civil society organisations, lawyers and journalists, before and during today’s large-scale demonstrations in Delhi.”
Deep Dive
Why were people protesting in Delhi?
Protesters were marching towards Jantar Mantar to demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the poll body.
What did the UN say about the detentions during the Delhi protest?
The UN said it was concerned by reports of mass detentions, including of demonstrators, protest leaders, civil society members, lawyers and journalists. It urged authorities to uphold peaceful assembly, exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue.
How many people were detained while marching towards Jantar Mantar?
Delhi Police detained more than 4,000 people marching towards Jantar Mantar for the protest.
Powered ByAsk HT
UN human rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan also urged the authorities to "exercise utmost restraint" in tackling the protesters. "We also urge the authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the broadly held concerns expressed," it said.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
The CJP had planned to stage a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. However, Delhi Police denied permission for the protest, while heavy security and roadblocks prevented most demonstrators from reaching the site.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
The CJP had planned to stage a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. However, Delhi Police denied permission for the protest, while heavy security and roadblocks prevented most demonstrators from reaching the site.
{{/usCountry}}
The group said its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, and two other leaders, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were detained shortly after their flight from Mumbai landed in Delhi.
Delhi Police have not issued a public statement on their detentions.
Akanksha Verma is an Associate Editor at the Hindustan Times in New Delhi. With an experience of over a decade, she has led newsrooms operations and worked on digital content strategies. She is adept at covering breaking news situations and holds expertise in doing long-form explainers on national, political and geopolitical issues. Akanksha has previously worked with The Times Of India, Indian Express Online, News18.com, India Ahead and The Daily Jagran. She has written on key national and global events, including the Lok Sabha Elections, Assembly Elections, US Elections, US-Iran war, Operation Sindoor, Israel-Palestine conflict, Afghanistan conflict, Ram Temple verdict, Ladakh standoff, Abrogation of Article 370 and Demonetisation. She holds a BA (Hons) in English from Ramjas College, University of Delhi, and a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, Odisha. She is proficient in both English and Hindi and has earned a beginner-level certification in Korean. Beyond her newsroom responsibilities, Akanksha enjoys reading books that explore gender and social issues. She also turns to poetry as a creative outlet, writing verses whenever inspiration strikes.
Get real-time updates on CJP Delhi Protest LIVE , breaking headlines, and top India News, breaking headlines, and real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get real-time updates on CJP Delhi Protest LIVE , breaking headlines, and top India News, breaking headlines, and real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Home/India News/Delhi protests: UN 'concerned' over mass detentions, seeks immediate release of detainees
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Notifications
Get breaking alerts directly from the newsroom
Notifications are on!You'll be notified when news breaks
