Srinagar, Oct 10 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir politicians on Saturday criticised restrictions imposed in parts of New Delhi ahead of a planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, drawing parallels with the curbs imposed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday evening said the “Kashmir model” has been exported to the national capital, reacting to the internet shutdown in central Delhi ahead of the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
“Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi. Welcome to the New Delhi, modelled on the New Jammu & Kashmir,” Omar wrote on X late Friday.
The union Home Ministry authorised a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services in parts of Delhi.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday also drew a parallel between the developments in Delhi and the restrictions imposed in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Mehbooba recalled the communication blackout and restrictions on movement imposed in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that authorities has subsequently claimed that nobody had protested against the decision.
“Today’s Delhi is a chilling reminder of Kashmir after the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370. People were locked in their homes, the internet was shut down, and an entire region was placed under siege. The BJP then brazenly claimed that nobody had protested,” Mehbooba said on X.
“Today, with Delhi under siege, trains halted and roads to Jantar Mantar sealed, they may repeat the same lie, claiming that nobody protested against Gyanesh Kumar. First crush the protest, then deny it ever happened. This is how enforced silence is passed off as consent,” she added.
The remarks by top J&K politician came amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital, with roads leading to Jantar Mantar facing restrictions and protesters seeking to demonstrate against Gyanesh Kumar.
