India deploys 25,000 security forces to suppress voter roll protests

India deployed more than 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel in New Delhi on Friday to prevent protests by the so-called Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against a sweeping review of voter registries. Authorities also shut down a central park for two days citing "administrative" reasons, blocking a planned Tiranga March where protesters had planned to carry the Indian national flag.

Voter Roll Controversy

The protest movement accuses the Election Commission of disenfranchising millions of citizens through the voter roll review. According to media reports, more than 133 million names have already been struck from the lists, with minority communities — particularly Muslims — disproportionately affected. The opposition and protest movement allege the exercise benefits Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Police Crackdown

Police warned that violations of their orders would result in "appropriate legal action," while allowing limited gatherings at approved locations. The Catholic Church also expressed support for the protest movement. The CJP movement, which takes its unusual name from a pejorative label used by authorities against protesters, has been mobilizing for weeks.