SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticised the Centre over the suspension of mobile internet services in parts of Delhi ahead of a proposed protest, saying the “Kashmir model” of restrictions has now reached the national capital.
Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi. Welcome to the New Delhi, modelled on New Jammu & Kashmir.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 9, 2026
In a post on X, Abdullah wrote: “Kashmir model has been exported to Delhi. Welcome to the New Delhi, modelled on New Jammu & Kashmir.” His remarks referred to internet shutdowns imposed in Jammu and Kashmir over the years.
The comments came after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs authorised a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing in Delhi. The restriction took effect at 10 pm on October 9 and is scheduled to remain in force until 10 pm on October 10.
Issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, the order covers all mobile internet technologies and directs Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Jio and MTNL to implement the suspension.
The restriction is part of a wider security operation ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10, where protesters are seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering, citing procedural requirements, previous law-and-order concerns and the potential for disruption to security arrangements and traffic.
More than 20,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed across New Delhi, central Delhi and the capital’s borders, including Border Security Force personnel along the Noida-Delhi border. The arrangements also include the closure of 57 metro stations and the cancellation of scheduled mail and express trains.
More than 6,500 personnel will guard a sensitive zone extending approximately 1.5 kilometres and covering Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission and Delhi Police headquarters.
Police have established seven layers of barricading along approach roads and installed more than 300 CCTV cameras. Twelve detention centres have also been prepared as part of the security arrangements.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police, citing intelligence inputs suggesting that protesters could attempt to enter the capital despite the restrictions.
Authorities have introduced the measures to prevent unauthorised gatherings and maintain law and order during the proposed demonstration.
