India cracks down on youth protests as anger grows against Modi and election chief
NEW DELHI (AP) -- Indian authorities deployed a sweeping security crackdown across New Delhi and detained thousands of protesters Saturday as India's
Indian authorities implemented a sweeping security crackdown across New Delhi on Saturday, detaining thousands of protesters as a youth-led movement intensified its nationwide campaign against a contentious voter list revision. The protests aimed to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government and election authorities.
Police intercepted demonstrators heading to Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site, dispersing and detaining many before they could begin. Opposition lawmakers, activists, and student leaders were among those arrested. The crackdown extended to roadblocks and internet restrictions, creating significant hurdles for the protesters.
The government denied protesters permission due to a late submission, dismissing them as "anarchic elements." The scale of the crackdown highlighted the authorities' determination to disrupt the fast-growing protest campaign, which has gained traction among young people and drawn opposition support. The protests are occurring at a politically sensitive time, with recent demonstrations over exam paper leaks forcing the resignation of Modi's education minister in July.
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