Delhi Police Reject Permission for AIP’s Peaceful Jantar Mantar Protest Demanding Statehood For Jammu Kashmir

Delhi Police Reject Permission for AIP’s Peaceful Jantar Mantar Protest Demanding Statehood

New Delhi, Feb 16: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has expressed strong concern over the denial of permission to hold a peaceful sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, to press the long-pending demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and other constitutional rights.

In a statement issued here, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the party had formally sought permission to organise a peaceful and democratic protest on February 16, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Jantar Mantar. However, the Delhi Police, New Delhi District, through an official communication No. 30414/ND(X) dated 11.02.2026, rejected the request.

Inam Un Nabi said the rejection letter cites preparations for the AI Impact Summit–2026, strengthening of security arrangements, traffic management and guidelines framed under SO No. L&O/48/2022, in compliance with Supreme Court directions, as reasons for denying permission.

Inam Un Nabi termed the denial “deeply unfortunate” and said it reflects shrinking democratic space for peaceful and constitutional dissent. “Our proposed protest was entirely peaceful, within the prescribed time and in line with all legal and constitutional norms. AIP has a record of adhering to every condition laid down by the authorities during previous protests,” he said.

Inam reiterated that the demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Jammu and Kashmir is a legitimate political and democratic demand. “Denying permission to raise such issues peacefully at a designated protest site like Jantar Mantar sends a wrong message and undermines the spirit of democracy,” he added.

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The AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the party will continue to pursue its demands through all democratic, constitutional and peaceful means and urged the authorities to respect the right of political expression and assembly guaranteed under the Constitution of India.