A Delhi police officer urged worshippers at an Old Delhi mosque to keep their children away from Saturday’s Cockroach Janta Party protest. The officer used the mosque’s microphone to ask people to maintain peace and avoid rumours. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is examining police restrictions on the planned Jantar Mantar demonstration.
Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) planned protest in Delhi on Saturday, a police officer addressed worshippers inside an Old Delhi mosque, urging them to stay away from demonstrations and asking them to counsel their children and families against joining crowds.
The appeal was made at Shahi Masjid near Town Hall in the Chandni Chowk area, where the officer used the mosque's microphone to ask people to maintain peace, avoid rumours and provocative messages, and cooperate with the police and administration.
The officer also urged worshippers to advise their friends, family members and children not to become part of crowds or participate in protests unnecessarily. He appealed to them to act responsibly and avoid any activity that could disturb law and order.
The use of a mosque to deliver the appeal comes a day before the CJP's planned protest, as police step up security arrangements across the capital.
SECURITY TIGHTENED AHEAD OF PROTEST
The CJP has called for a protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The proposed demonstration has triggered a legal challenge over restrictions imposed by authorities ahead of Saturday.
Police have cited law-and-order concerns in restricting the protest. The restrictions have been challenged in the Supreme Court, where lawyers raised concerns over reported metro station closures, train cancellations and alleged curbs on people's movement.
The Supreme Court said a balance must be struck between the right to protest and the wider public's access to essential facilities. It sought the actual police order to examine the restrictions.
The mosque announcement adds to the measures being taken ahead of the planned demonstration, with the officer asking worshippers to avoid rumours and refrain from joining gatherings that could affect public order.