Delhi tightened security at its major border entry points on Friday ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, with barricades narrowing traffic lanes, vehicle checks underway and police and central armed police personnel deployed at key crossings.
The security measures were visible at Chilla, Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri, as well as at other approaches including Ghaziabad and Ayanagar, according to a report by Times of India. The proposed protest is seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
At the Chilla border, a long queue of vehicles travelling from Noida stretched towards the entry point as commuters moved slowly through heightened security checks. Barricades funnelled traffic into narrower passages, while large police vans were stationed nearby. The presence of central armed police personnel gave the crossing the appearance of a security checkpoint rather than a routine entry into Delhi.
At Ghazipur, central armed police personnel stood along the road and monitored vehicles and passersby. Barricades had been placed across the stretch, including in the middle of the carriageway, reducing the available road space. Vehicles were required to navigate the restricted passage while security personnel maintained watch.
Further north, the Singhu border connecting Delhi with Haryana had been divided into three lanes using barricades to create separate vehicle passages. At least seven police personnel were stationed along the stretch, scanning vehicles and monitoring movement. Additional barricades were stacked nearby for possible deployment.
Barricades were also in place at the Tikri border with Haryana, although vehicle checks there appeared less stringent than at some other crossings. Security checks were additionally reported in Ghaziabad and Ayanagar, extending the police watch across several major approaches to the capital.
The border crossings are important daily routes for people travelling to Delhi from Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and surrounding areas for work, education, business and medical needs. They also carry commercial vehicles transporting goods into the city. Narrowed lanes and vehicle checks therefore have the potential to slow both passenger and freight movement during the heightened security arrangement.
The report did not specify how long the barricades and checks would remain in place. The measures were introduced ahead of Saturday’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, with police deployment and traffic restrictions being adjusted at the border points as required.
