Police detained protesters near Jantar Mantar on Saturday as AISA activists attempted to regroup at the Delhi protest site, where security remained tight a day after more than 1,000 people were detained during a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Barricades were placed on roads leading to Jantar Mantar and security personnel were deployed at multiple points as activists gathered for the fresh mobilisation.

The return to the protest site followed a call by All India Students' Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora, who was detained during Friday's demonstration. In a video message later in the evening, Bora urged activists to assemble again at 1 pm and said the detentions would not intimidate those protesting.

The protesters are demanding Kumar's resignation and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities in the exercise.

Friday's demonstration drew members of AISA, Students' Federation of India (SFI), National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other political and student groups. Bora, AAP leaders and activist Yogendra Yadav were among those detained.

Delhi Police had denied permission for Friday's gathering and imposed heightened security measures across central Delhi.

Several roads were barricaded and entry and exit at a number of Metro stations near Jantar Mantar were temporarily restricted.

The renewed mobilisation also comes amid scrutiny of the Election Commission's handling of the SIR exercise.

The Indian Express reported recently that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected on record at least 14 times over the past 10 months to decisions and orders concerning the SIR, saying they had been issued without their knowledge or recommendation.

Source: telegraphindia