New Delhi, Oct 10 (PTI) Delhi is under an unprecedented security blanket, with around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the city. Forty-five metro stations face entry and exit restrictions, and surveillance has been increased at the national capital’s borders, railway stations, bus terminals and other sensitive locations ahead of a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar.
The massive security arrangements were put in place after Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing inadequate notice and concerns over compliance with rules during an earlier protest.
Police have stepped up vigil across the city to prevent protesters from assembling at Jantar Mantar without permission and to maintain law and order amid apprehensions of large-scale mobilisation.
More than 120 companies of Central Armed Police Forces are expected to assist Delhi Police in managing the security situation. Personnel have been deployed at strategic locations, while mock drills were conducted at several places to assess preparedness and response mechanisms.
The New Delhi district has been divided into 20 zones for close monitoring by senior police officers, including joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners. Special commissioners heading various units are also keeping a close watch on developments.
Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said on Friday that the permission application for the October 10 protest was submitted on October 7, only three days before the proposed gathering, whereas the prescribed notice period is of at least 10 days.
Police have also cited concerns over alleged violations of directions issued by authorities during an earlier demonstration.
The security measures include the closure of entry and exit gates at 45 Delhi Metro stations from Friday night. The affected stations include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Janpath, Supreme Court, ITO, Kashmere Gate and several stations in south and northeast Delhi.
According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the restrictions will remain in place on Saturday until further notice. Interchange facilities will be available at the affected stations, except at the New Delhi metro station, where restrictions will apply.
Railway passengers are also likely to face disruptions, with several trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm reported cancelled.
Police have clarified that passengers with valid train tickets will not be stopped from travelling and that action will be taken against those attempting to breach law and order.
Security has also been tightened at the borders of the national capital, with additional surveillance and checks on vehicles entering the city. Police are checking hotels, guest houses, lodges and dharamshalas, while heightened vigilance is being maintained at bus terminals and other transit points.
Authorities are also monitoring social media platforms for attempts to mobilise people for the protest. More than 200 content creators are reportedly under scrutiny as police examine online posts and messages linked to the proposed gathering.
Liquor shops across Delhi will remain closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
Police are also making public appeals through religious places, urging people to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities.
The proposed demonstration is against Kumar over allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes relating to Form 6, used for voter registration. The allegations are part of the political dispute surrounding the revision exercise.
With restrictions affecting major transport hubs and several parts of the city, commuters have been advised to check official announcements and plan their journeys accordingly.
Police said security personnel would remain deployed throughout Saturday to monitor crowd movement, prevent traffic obstructions and respond to any attempt to breach barricades. PTI BM
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