The national capital is bracing for a significant disruption on Saturday, October 10, as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has issued a call for a massive protest demonstration. 0, has prompted the Delhi Police and administrative authorities to put the city on high alert. Security measures have been intensified across the capital to prevent any untoward incidents, especially following the controversies surrounding the CJP's previous large-scale protest held at Jantar Mantar in July. While opposition parties led by Rahul Gandhi are already challenging the Election Commission, the CJP's move to organize a separate protest has added another layer of complexity to the security situation in Delhi.
Section 163 Imposed and Security Deployment
In response to the CJP's protest call, the Delhi Police has officially denied permission for the demonstration. To maintain law and order, Section 163 has been imposed in New Delhi and the areas surrounding Jantar Mantar. Despite the lack of permission, the CJP remains adamant about proceeding with the protest. Consequently, the city has seen the installation of barricades at various strategic locations, and thousands of security personnel have been deployed to manage the situation. The authorities are taking no chances, ensuring that the movement of protesters is strictly monitored and controlled.
Massive Train Cancellations
The protest has Importantly impacted the railway schedule. The railway authorities have decided to cancel several mail and express trains on 9 and 10 October. Specifically, 38 trains scheduled to arrive in Delhi between 4 AM and 2 PM on Saturday have been cancelled. These cancellations primarily affect trains heading towards New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations. The decision was taken due to the high risk of massive traffic congestion and security concerns in the vicinity of these major railway hubs.
Delhi Metro and NCRTC Closures
Commuters in the national capital will face major hurdles as 57 metro stations are set to remain closed. Following a formal letter from the Delhi Police to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the decision was made to shut these stations starting from 9 PM on Friday night until further orders. The DMRC has released a list of the 57 affected stations, which will remain closed until the situation returns to normalcy. Also, according to information provided by PTI, the NCRTC has announced that the Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar Namo Bharat stations will be closed from 9 PM on Friday until 10 PM on Saturday night.
Internet Suspension and Border Restrictions
To prevent the spread of misinformation and coordinate the protest, internet services will be restricted in Central Delhi. Sources within the Delhi Police have indicated that internet services will be suspended within a 4 kilometer radius of Jantar Mantar from 10 PM on 9 October to 10 PM on 10 October. Plus, security has been tightened at all Delhi borders. The police have stated that they won't allow any buses or vehicles carrying people intended for the New Delhi protest to enter the city. Drone cameras are being utilized at all border points to maintain constant surveillance.
Market Closures in Connaught Place and Bhagirath Palace
The business community has also taken precautionary measures. The New Delhi Traders Association has advised all shops, offices, restaurants, and commercial establishments in Connaught Place to remain closed on Saturday. Similarly, the Delhi Electrical Traders Association has announced that the Bhagirath Palace electrical market will also be shut on Saturday to ensure safety during the proposed CJP protest.
Judicial Proceedings and Court Orders
The legal system has also adapted to the security situation. The Delhi High Court has stated that judicial officers at the Patiala House and Rouse Avenue courts may conduct proceedings virtually on Saturday, while Plus, the High Court has directed that no adverse orders shall be passed in the 7 district courts if litigants, lawyers, or the accused are unable to appear due to the prevailing circumstances.
