Indian Police Intervene in Meeting of Activists, Politicians Ahead of G-20 Summit

Organizers of the "We20" conference, a meeting of 400 participants discussing global issues, were told by the New Delhi police to end the meeting due to a lack of proper permission in a high-security zone. The meeting, which was held in advance of the G-20 summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, featured speakers critical of Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. The police intervention sparked a debate on freedom of expression and democracy, with critics of Modi accusing his government of suppressing dissent and assaults on the press. The G-20 summit is expected to attract prominent leaders from around the world, but critics argue that it serves the interests of the corporate and wealthy elite.

Key Takeaways:

The New Delhi police intervened in a meeting of activists, academics, and politicians discussing global issues ahead of the G-20 summit, citing a lack of proper permission in a high-security zone.
The "We20" conference featured speakers critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government's role in hosting the G-20 summit, with accusations of suppressing dissent and assaults on the press.
Meeting organizers received a letter from the police on Sunday morning informing them to end the meeting, which was attended by nearly 400 participants.
The conference also highlighted concerns about food security, climate change, labor rights, natural resources, and rising inequality.
A Delhi Police spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, while a police officer cited Section 144 of the law, which prohibits gatherings of four or more people.
Critics of Modi's government argue that the G-20 summit is being used to bolster the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of a general election next year.
Meeting organizers expressed shock at the need for permission to practice democracy, while opponents of the Modi government condemned the police action as a threat to freedom of expression.

Statistics:

Nearly 400 participants attended the "We20" conference, which discussed global issues such as food security, climate change, labor rights, natural resources, and rising inequality.
The G-20 summit is expected to be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government next month, with the Indian government mounting an advertising campaign to showcase the country's growing global clout.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat criticized the Modi government's advertising campaign, saying it highlighted the interests of the corporate and wealthy elite.

Sources:

The Associated Press, "Indian police intervene in meeting of activists, politicians ahead of G-20 summit", December 18, 2022.
The Hindu, "G-20 summit: Delhi Police stop meeting of activists, politicians", December 18, 2022.