Internet services were suspended in parts of Delhi during a "Chalo Sansad" march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) [1].
The disruption affects the ability of protesters and residents to communicate in real time during a period of civil unrest. This tactic is often used by authorities to limit the coordination of crowds and the spread of information during public demonstrations.
Thousands of people gathered near Jantar Mantar for the march [1]. The suspension of network services impacted several areas of the city, including those surrounding the Jantar Mantar site [1].
The Cockroach Janta Party said the internet shutdown was implemented to prevent protest updates from reaching the general public [1]. The party said the lack of connectivity made it difficult to share live updates regarding the status of the march and the conditions on the ground [1].
Reports indicate that the "Chalo Sansad" event brought significant disruptions to the city [2]. The combination of network cuts and physical security measures created a standstill in affected zones [2].
Local authorities have not issued a formal statement regarding the specific technical cause of the outages or the exact duration of the suspension. The CJP said the move was a deliberate attempt to stifle the visibility of the protest [1].
“Internet services were suspended in parts of Delhi during a "Chalo Sansad" march”
The use of localized internet shutdowns during political demonstrations in India reflects a recurring tension between national security measures and the right to information. By limiting digital communication, authorities can reduce the speed at which protests scale, though such actions often draw criticism from human rights groups and political organizations regarding freedom of speech.
