SFI Calls for Nationwide Protests Against Crackdown on Delhi Protests

New Delhi: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has called for nationwide protests against the crackdown in Delhi on demonstrators demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police, paramilitary personnel and groups operating without uniforms have unleashed brutal attacks on protesters, including SFI leaders.

A joint protest organised by SFI, AISF, DYFI and CJP activists at Connaught Place was also violently suppressed. Several people, including SFI All India president Adarsh M Saji, sustained serious injuries. DYFI leader Jaick C Thomas was dragged along the road before being taken into custody. Male police personnel also allegedly behaved inappropriately towards women protesters.

The central government, which fears peaceful protests, has effectively shut down the capital city in the name of security. Widespread arrests and detentions, along with serious human rights violations, continue as authorities attempt to suppress the ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’ protest jointly announced by CJP and Left youth and student organisations.

According to reports, around 10,000 people have been arrested in Delhi alone. With police stations unable to accommodate the detainees, three stadiums in the city were turned into temporary detention camps.