Delhi is preparing for heightened security ahead of a 10 October protest at Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janta Party, with around 23,000 Central Armed Police Force personnel and 20,000 Delhi Police personnel reportedly being deployed across the capital. Authorities may close New Delhi metro stations and markets near sensitive areas if required.
Live Hindustan reported, citing a report published by NDTV, that the Union Home Ministry has approved the deployment of 110 CAPF companies with an additional 221 companies between 8 and 12 October. The additional force is reported to include 85 CRPF companies, 10 SSB companies, seven ITBP companies, seven RAF companies and one CISF company.
The security arrangements are expected to affect movement around central Delhi, border areas, railway stations and bus terminals. Delhi Police will maintain heightened surveillance along the city’s borders, while security personnel will monitor locations that could be used by protesters or incoming groups to reach the protest site.
According to the report, authorities are preparing multilayer barricading and control-room monitoring through CCTV cameras. Cameras equipped with facial-recognition systems are also expected to be installed at key locations. Restrictions on demonstrations and public gatherings will remain in force under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the report said.
The police may close metro stations in New Delhi and shut markets temporarily depending on the situation. The source report does not identify a final list of stations or markets that will be affected, meaning commuters may face route changes or access restrictions if security conditions worsen on the day of the protest.
The reported deployment is larger than arrangements described for some recent demonstrations in the capital. Live Hindustan, citing NDTV, said around 150 CAPF companies had been deployed during protests linked to demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in July. It also reported that 93 companies had been deployed during farmers’ protests.
The Cockroach Janta Party has said that its protest will continue even if its members are prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar. According to the report, the party’s national spokesperson said during a press conference that any location where demonstrators are stopped would be treated as Jantar Mantar. The party has also indicated that the protest will continue beyond 10 October.
West Bengal former chief minister Mamata Banerjee has indicated that she may participate in the protest, although the report said a final decision on her participation would be taken later. Authorities have not, in the supplied report, announced a confirmed list of metro stations or markets to be closed. Security deployment and access restrictions are expected to remain in place from 8 to 12 October.
