Authorities impose repeated restrictions around Jantar Mantar as Gen Z demonstrators continue demands for education reforms.
Indian authorities have extended a mobile internet shutdown in parts of central Delhi until midnight on Saturday, the latest in a series of restrictions imposed during youth-led protests in the capital.
The suspension covers a 1.5-kilometre radius around the Jantar Mantar protest site, where supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other Gen Z demonstrators have maintained a continuous presence for weeks. The latest order marks at least the sixth extension of the internet blackout in the area over the past several days.
Precautionary Steps To Maintain Law and Order:
Officials have described the measures as a “precautionary” step to maintain law and order amid the ongoing demonstrations. The protests, which intensified earlier this week with attempts to march towards Parliament, have seen clashes between demonstrators and Delhi Police, including the use of tear gas and baton charges.
Mobile data services were first restricted on July 20 as thousands of students and young people gathered for a “Chalo Sansad” march demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations. Subsequent orders have repeatedly prolonged the blackout, affecting communication in and around the protest zone.
Protesters and digital rights groups have criticised the repeated suspensions. The Internet Freedom Foundation and other organisations have condemned the restrictions, arguing that they hinder the ability of demonstrators to organise, document events, and communicate with the outside world. Some protesters have reportedly turned to offline messaging tools that function without mobile data.
Delhi Internet Shutdown Extended Amid Protests:
The CJP movement, which began as an online satirical response to high youth unemployment and repeated examination scandals, has grown into one of the most visible youth mobilisations in India in recent years. Demonstrators have called for systemic reforms in the education system and greater accountability from the government.
While broadband and fixed-line internet services remain available in many areas, the mobile data blackout has significantly disrupted communication for those at the protest site. Authorities have not indicated whether further extensions will be ordered beyond Saturday midnight.
The continued restrictions come as the protests show little sign of easing, with demonstrators insisting they will remain at Jantar Mantar until their core demands are addressed.