Assam farmers leader Akhil Gogoi and senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan were also present apart from students from JNU, Delhi University, Lucknow University and Allahabad University among others. The rally seeks to raise the demand for the release of Dalit outfit Bhim Army's founder Chandrashekhar Azad and emphasise on issues like educational rights, employment, livelihood and gender justice.
Here are the live updates of Jignesh Mevani's 'Yuva Hunkaar' rally:
The Delhi police have posted troops across Jantar Mantar -- the designated area of protest in the capital till it was banned by the Green Court -- and Parliament Street, where the protest is expected to be held.
Rather than asking us why we are going ahead with the rally "despite not having permission", media should ask the Delhi Police why they kept lying about cancellation of permission. Thanks to everyone for the terrific turnout amid lies and conspiracy :) #YuvaRally pic.twitter.com/i8l5mO9lMg
- Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) January 9, 2018
Unfortunate, we were just going to demonstrate democratically and peacefully, the Govt is targeting us, an elected representative is not being allowed to speak: Jignesh Mewani to news agency ANI on being denied permission for Yuva Hunkar rally in Delhi
Come to Parliament Street. The public meeting will take place near Jeevan Vihar (Parliament Street Police Station) pic.twitter.com/pAPnugHOjG
- Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) January 9, 2018
Joint Commissioner of Police of New Delhi addressed the media ahead of Jignesh Mevani's Hunkar Rally, said no permission has been granted.
He told news agency ANI that, " Nobody has been given a permission. Since there is an NGT order that no protest can be staged at Jantar Mantar, we have asked organisers to hold the protest at alternate sites like Ramlila Maidan".
The #YuvaRally was flagged off at 10 am today from Ambedkar Park Rani Garden. Everything as per schedule. Volunteers, media at Parliament Street. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/S9U0NnOjkH
- Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) January 9, 2018
Delhi's Jantar Mantar turned into a fortress this morning as nearly 1,500 police and paramilitary personnel, armed with tear gas and water cannons, took up position to foil the youth rally called by newly-elected Gujarat legislator and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani.
Tear gas, water cannons, paramilitary and 12 companies of police have turned Jantar Mantar into a fortress. Roads to PM house also blocked... all this in the run-up to #YuvaHunkarRally. Its gonna be one hell of a day! pic.twitter.com/y47DL77iLN
- Sonal MehrotraKapoor (@Sonal_MK) January 9, 2018
Posters seen in Parliament Street area ahead of Jignesh Mevani's 'Yuva Hunkar Rally'.
DCP Sir, rally to wahin karayenge :) https://t.co/UzC10xAPVg
- Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) January 8, 2018
Heavy security has been deployed ahead of Jignesh Mevani's 'Yuva Hunkar Rally' to be held at Parliament Street. Delhi Police has denied permission to hold the event.
No permission granted so far by Delhi Police to hold proposed protest at Parliament Street in view of NGT orders. Organisers have been constantly advised to go to alternate site which they are reluctant to accept. @PTI_News @ANI @htTweets @TOIIndiaNews @NavbharatTimes @DDNational
- DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) January 8, 2018
Several student leaders from Jawaharlal Nehru University, including Kanhaiya Kumar, are expected to attend Jignesh Mevani's rally.
- Newly-elected Gujarat legislator and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani's request to hold a youth rally in Delhi today
- The Delhi Police is yet to accept permission to hold the rally
- The 'Yuva Hunkaar rally" may go ahead without permission.
- In a statement, the organisers have urged the prospective participants to "assemble on the Parliament Street at 12 pm today".
- The police are getting ready with water cannons and tear gas to control the crowds, say sources.