Around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the city. Photo: Collected.
Bangla Press Desk: Security measures have been tightened across the national capital in anticipation of the proposed protest by the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Approximately 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed throughout the city. Surveillance has been stepped up at key and sensitive locations, including Delhi's borders, railway stations, and bus terminals. Additionally, a decision has been made to close entry and exit points at 45 metro stations.
Extensive security preparations became evident as early as Friday night (October 9). It was already apparent that Saturday in Delhi would be far from a typical holiday. Barricades have been erected around Jantar Mantar, and over a hundred trains have been cancelled. Furthermore, mobile internet services have been suspended in certain areas of central Delhi.
However, the Delhi Police has not granted permission for the CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar. This decision stems from the failure to obtain the necessary administrative clearance, past law-and-order issues, and concerns regarding potential disruptions to security and traffic caused by large gatherings. Yet, the situation suggests that tensions surrounding the proposed CJP protest are unlikely to subside easily, despite the lack of official permission.
**Union Home Secretary alerts states ahead of the protest**
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has issued a warning to police chiefs across all states and Union Territories. He has directed them to take necessary measures in coordination with the Delhi Police to maintain law and order.
Citing intelligence inputs, the letter dated October 9 states that CJP members and supporters might attempt to enter Delhi despite the denial of permission. Consequently, states have been instructed to coordinate with intelligence agencies, border surveillance authorities, and the Delhi Police. Emphasis has also been placed on the regular exchange of information.
Security has been further intensified at Delhi's border areas; vehicles entering the capital are being searched, and surveillance has been heightened. A decision has been taken to keep all liquor shops in Delhi closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
The administration is keeping a close watch on social media to see if attempts are being made to mobilize people for protests. Reports indicate that over 200 content creators are under surveillance, with their online posts and messages being scrutinized. 6,500 security personnel deployed in a 1.5-kilometer sensitive zone.
An area with a radius of approximately 1.5 kilometers—encompassing Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission office, and the Delhi Police headquarters—has been designated as highly sensitive. More than 6,500 security personnel are scheduled to be deployed in this area.
At least seven layers of barricades have been erected on the roads leading to Jantar Mantar. To enhance the effectiveness of security measures, the New Delhi district has been divided into more than 20 zones.
Over 120 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are likely to be deployed to assist the Delhi Police. Security personnel have been stationed at key locations. Mock drills have also been conducted at various sites to assess preparedness and the capability for rapid response.
Loudspeakers have been installed in sensitive areas to announce that permission for the protest has not been granted. Simultaneously, the public is being warned against unauthorized gatherings, damage to public property, and violent activities. 12 detention centers prepared for protesters.
The Delhi Police has set up 12 detention centers to hold individuals who might be detained during the protests; this information was obtained from police sources.
Senior officials responsible for security have instructed police personnel to exercise restraint and handle the situation with professionalism. Specific instructions have been issued to ensure that police personnel do not react impulsively, even if provoked. Reports suggest that directives have also been given to operate based on lessons learned from previous protests.
Searches are also being conducted in hotels, lodges, and guest houses across New Delhi and Central Delhi. Accommodation providers have been advised to remain vigilant. Similar instructions have also been issued to property owners and agencies that rent out homes via platforms like Airbnb.
Deployment of over 300 CCTV cameras, body cameras, and video recording systems
More than 300 CCTV cameras equipped with audio and video recording capabilities have been installed in sensitive areas of the New Delhi district.
Arrangements are also being made to equip officers of the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police and their superiors with body cameras. Additionally, reports indicate that approximately 100 photographers and videographers have been deployed to document the unfolding situation and police actions in real-time.
The administration is keeping a close watch on social media to see if attempts are being made to mobilize people for protests. Reports indicate that over 200 content creators are under surveillance, with their online posts and messages being scrutinized. 6,500 security personnel deployed in a 1.5-kilometer sensitive zone.
An area with a radius of approximately 1.5 kilometers—encompassing Jantar Mantar, Janpath, the Election Commission office, and the Delhi Police headquarters—has been designated as highly sensitive. More than 6,500 security personnel are scheduled to be deployed in this area.
At least seven layers of barricades have been erected on the roads leading to Jantar Mantar. To enhance the effectiveness of security measures, the New Delhi district has been divided into more than 20 zones.
Over 120 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are likely to be deployed to assist the Delhi Police. Security personnel have been stationed at key locations. Mock drills have also been conducted at various sites to assess preparedness and the capability for rapid response.
Loudspeakers have been installed in sensitive areas to announce that permission for the protest has not been granted. Simultaneously, the public is being warned against unauthorized gatherings, damage to public property, and violent activities. 12 detention centers prepared for protesters.
The Delhi Police has set up 12 detention centers to hold individuals who might be detained during the protests; this information was obtained from police sources.
Senior officials responsible for security have instructed police personnel to exercise restraint and handle the situation with professionalism. Specific instructions have been issued to ensure that police personnel do not react impulsively, even if provoked. Reports suggest that directives have also been given to operate based on lessons learned from previous protests.
Searches are also being conducted in hotels, lodges, and guest houses across New Delhi and Central Delhi. Accommodation providers have been advised to remain vigilant. Similar instructions have also been issued to property owners and agencies that rent out homes via platforms like Airbnb.
Deployment of over 300 CCTV cameras, body cameras, and video recording systems
More than 300 CCTV cameras equipped with audio and video recording capabilities have been installed in sensitive areas of the New Delhi district.
Arrangements are also being made to equip officers of the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police and their superiors with body cameras. Additionally, reports indicate that approximately 100 photographers and videographers have been deployed to document the unfolding situation and police actions in real-time.
However, the Old Delhi, Anand Vihar, and Delhi Cantonment railway stations remain operational.
Additionally, two Namo Bharat rail stations—Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar—will remain closed from 9 PM on October 9 to 10 PM on October 10.
Preparations to regulate traffic on 30 roads
Delhi Traffic Police has identified approximately 30 roads where traffic flow could be affected starting from 6 AM on October 10.
This list includes key areas such as Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Ashoka Road, Janpath, Lodhi Road, and Dhaula Kuan.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta stated that traffic routes would be diverted based on the situation; however, there are no plans to completely close any roads or halt traffic entirely.
Those without urgent business are advised to avoid unnecessary travel. Those who must step out are urged to allow extra time for their commute and to follow official traffic police guidelines.
Passengers are particularly advised to exercise caution when traveling to railway stations, Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs), and the airport.
Impact on liquor shops, markets, and business establishments
As a security precaution, a decision has been made to keep all retail liquor shops in Delhi closed on October 9 and 10.
The New Delhi Traders Association of Connaught Place has also advised keeping shops, offices, restaurants, and other business establishments closed on October 10. Furthermore, market authorities at Bhagirath Palace and Chandni Chowk have announced plans to keep their markets closed on that day.
Anticipating potential traffic congestion and regulatory measures, Delhi Airport authorities have advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance and allow more time than usual to reach the airport. **High Alert in Uttar Pradesh and Neighboring Areas**
A high alert has been issued in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the CJP protest. Districts within the Meerut and Bareilly zones—adjacent to Delhi—have been instructed to remain particularly vigilant. Orders have been issued to intensify vehicle checks and surveillance on roads leading to the capital.
Monitoring of social media has also been stepped up. The administration is keeping a close watch on proposed protest programs in Lucknow, Agra, Meerut, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Noida, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
Meanwhile, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district from October 10 to October 20. This measure was taken in anticipation of potential protests, festivals, and public gatherings.
The protests have also impacted rail services. Several trains operating between Delhi and Lucknow were cancelled on October 10, including the Lucknow Mail and the New Delhi-Lucknow AC Superfast Express. Additionally, the Lucknow-New Delhi Gomti Express scheduled for October 11 has been cancelled. **Maintaining Normal Public Life: A Major Challenge**
These extensive security preparations indicate that the situation's impact is unlikely to remain confined to Jantar Mantar or its immediate vicinity. The daily lives of ordinary commuters, business owners, working professionals, and residents across various parts of Delhi could be affected. A state of high alert also prevails in several areas of neighboring Uttar Pradesh.
Although permission for the protest has not been granted, the administration fears that CJP supporters might still attempt to gather. In this scenario, the police face a significant challenge: maintaining robust security and preventing the protest from spreading to other parts of the capital, while ensuring that the normal movement and daily lives of the general public do not come to a complete standstill. Source: India Today
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