Dipke targets PM Modi over deployment of forces in Delhi, raises VanDyke case

New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday questioned the Centre's priorities, alleging that the government was deploying security personnel in Delhi to prevent protests instead of focusing on national security concerns, including the situation along the China border.

Referring to American national Matthew VanDyke, accused of training armed groups in Myanmar, Dipke questioned the seriousness attached to the case.

"It is not that he wanted to wave the flag of our country. If he wanted to wave the flag of our country then it could have been a big national security threat, but he was just training some terrorists, so it is not a big deal," he said sarcastically.


Dipke also referred to remarks by ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapur on the challenges of countering China, alleging that security forces meant to protect the borders were being deployed in Delhi to prevent protests.

"So there are a lot of concerning things, but the priority is the same. Matthew Van Dyke is not a big priority, India-China border safety is not a big priority, what is the priority, no one should protest in Delhi, no one should ask for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation in Delhi," he said.

"China is not letting him show his red eyes, Trump is not letting him say anything," Dipke said, taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals were arrested by the National Investigation Agency in March for allegedly entering Myanmar through Mizoram and training members of ethnic armed groups in drone warfare, operations, assembly and jamming technology.

A Delhi court on Friday permitted VanDyke to travel to the US and extended permission for the six Ukrainian co-accused to remain outside India until February 24, 2027.

ITBP chief Kapur said on Thursday that face-offs had taken place at several locations in Arunachal Pradesh and were continuing, while highlighting the challenges posed by China's military modernisation.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has for the second time extended the deployment of 273 Central Armed Police Forces companies in Delhi until October 31, citing the possibility of "flash protests" by political and other groups, official sources said.

The forces were deployed earlier this month amid protests by the CJP and other groups demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.