Delhi on high alert ahead of Jantar Mantar protest

NEW DELHI: The Centre has deployed an unprecedented number of security personnel across Delhi ahead of the protest scheduled at Jantar Mantar today. Around 26,000 central forces personnel and more than 20,000 police personnel have been deployed. Internet services have been suspended within a four-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar. More than 37 checkpoints have been set up to prevent protesters from reaching the venue, while CCTV cameras have been installed at as many locations as possible.

Leaders of the INDIA bloc met President Droupadi Murmu last night and submitted a memorandum. The authorities had initially decided to close 57 metro stations and suspend train services at New Delhi and Nizamuddin railway stations. However, the Supreme Court intervened, following which the Centre revised its decision. Twelve stations were removed from the closure list, leaving 45 metro stations scheduled to remain closed from 9 pm yesterday until 6 pm today.

Surveillance has been stepped up at railway and metro stations, bus stands, paying guest (PG) hostels and hotels. Those identified as protesters will be asked to return, while those who refuse may be arrested. Stadiums will be used as temporary detention centres. Protesters travelling by train have already been detained in several states, while border areas of the national capital have been sealed.

The protest has been called by the Cockroach Janta Party and Left student and youth organisations, among others, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. CPM leaders are also expected to join the agitation.