Delhi is bracing for major travel restrictions on Saturday, October 10, ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other groups, demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, anticipated to draw a huge turnout.
Train cancellations, proposed restrictions at 57 Metro stations, the closure of retail liquor outlets and heightened police security have raised concerns over movement across the national capital. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in the New Delhi district, and police have warned against unauthorised gatherings. Police have also prepared a security and containment plan involving 37 blocking points and 15 designated detention centres.
However, no blanket shutdown of Delhi has been announced, and the restrictions vary across transport services and other establishments. The Railways has ordered the cancellation at source of mail and express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4am and 2pm on Saturday, October 10, in view of the likelihood of severe road traffic congestion around the stations due to a planned protest in central Delhi. Apart from the above restrictions, the Delhi Police has also already restricted entry to Jantar Mantar with access to the protest site being denied to even media persons. The route has been barricaded from Ashoka Road-Jantar Mantar roundabout. There has been no blanket order announcing the closure of all shops, markets, offices or commercial establishments across Delhi. However, residents are advised to check for local restrictions and advisories before making travel plans. Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed CJP protest. Security has been stepped up at several Delhi borders, while police teams have contacted market welfare associations, resident welfare associations and other community groups ahead of the demonstration.
Track Jantar Mantar protest updates here The measures have prompted some to describe the situation as an “undeclared lockdown”. A police officer present near Jantar Mantar denied entry to HT correspondent on Friday.
