Delhi Police stops participants from entering event critical of G20 summit

The police claim that the ‘We20 People’s Summit’ in Delhi is being held without permission.

Aug 19, 2023 - 19:30

Delhi Police stops participants from entering event critical of G20 summit

The Delhi Police on Saturday stopped participants from attending a meeting critical of the G20 summit, claiming that the event was being held without permission, the organisers said.

Over 30 police personnel arrived at the Surjeet Bhavan, the venue for the “We20 People’s Summit” today, according to The Wire.

Disturbed to learn that the Delhi Police is trying to halt the #We20Summit. It's a great space, giving voice to people's aspirations about national policies & international relations: the exact opposite of what the #G20Summit is doing. Looking forward to speaking there tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/SpjanlooYt— Akash | आकाश। আকাশ। (@akash_falaq) August 19, 2023

“Even as multiple sessions were underway at HKS Surjeet Bhawan, in Delhi, as part of the We20 program, a forum where representatives of peoples movements, trade unions, civil society, were gathered to discuss and debate the implications of Modi government, a large battalion of Delhi Police swept into the venue demanding the seminar be shut down,” the organisers said.

Political activist Kavita Kabeer, who is part of the organising committee of the event, told The Wire that no prior permission was required as the event is being held in a closed hall.

She added that the police initially urged those attending to leave, but later restricted themselves to stop more people from entering the Surjeet Bhavan.