Following is a statement jointly issued by CFD, PUCL and Jan Hastakshep
The developments in Delhi and elsewhere in the country expose a disturbing pattern of repression. Citizens asserting their democratic right to question arbitrary state power and to organize protests have been met with force, intimidation and sweeping restrictions.
A report in The Indian Express (23 September 2026) raised serious allegations about unilateral decisions by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, without consultation with the other two Election Commissioners. Concerns over the exclusion of eligible voters led to demands for his resignation. Instead of answering these allegations and restoring public confidence, the Union Government and ruling party defended the CEC while the state machinery was deployed to contain the agitation.
Delhi was turned into a security fortress. Reports cited the deployment of around 23,000 personnel of the Central forces to assist Delhi Police, including five all-women paramilitary companies; multiple barricades; cancellation of 245 Delhi-bound trains; closure of 45 Metro stations; and internet restrictions in and around Jantar Mantar. On 9 October, police reportedly raided activists’ and students’ homes and detained people. On 10 October, nearly 7,000 citizens, including lawyers, were reportedly detained in Delhi. Continue reading Undeclared AFSPA-like Regime in the Capital: CFD, PUCL, Jan Hastakshep Condemn Crackdown on People’s Agitation Demanding CEC’s Resignation
