Delhi Security Tightened Ahead of CJP Protest; Internet Suspended
Delhi faces massive security tightening, internet suspension, and Section 163 as the CJP protest for the CEC's resignation looms.
The national capital is bracing for a massive security lockdown as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares to launch a major protest on October 10. Demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the group's planned demonstration has triggered a wave of restrictive measures across the city, including the suspension of mobile internet and the imposition of strict assembly bans.
Strict Restrictions and Internet Blackout
In a move sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, authorities have ordered a complete suspension of mobile internet services within a 4-kilometer radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing. This blackout is set to last from 10:00 PM on October 9 until 10:00 PM on October 10.
To prevent large-scale gatherings, the New Delhi district has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This legal measure strictly prohibits any assembly of more than five people and bans all forms of processions or demonstrations in the area. The Delhi Police have officially declared the CJP's scheduled protest illegal and are using public address systems to warn citizens of these restrictions.
Transport and Infrastructure Disruptions
The city's movement is facing significant hurdles as several key transport sectors face shutdowns:
- Railway Services: Multiple trains scheduled to arrive at or depart from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations have been cancelled.
- Metro Services: While the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) initially requested the closure of 57 stations, the Supreme Court has intervened. The Court directed officials to reconsider these restrictions to prevent the total paralysis of public transport. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has assured the Court that the necessity of these measures is currently being evaluated.
- Border Control: Massive law enforcement deployments, including Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, have been positioned at the borders between Noida and Delhi, which are currently being sealed.
Impact on Business and Education
The lockdown measures are rippling through the city's commercial and academic sectors. All liquor shops in Delhi will remain closed on October 9 and 10. In the heart of the capital, the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) has advised shopkeepers in Connaught Place to keep their establishments closed for safety.
The education sector has also been hit, with several institutions shifting to online classes and various colleges postponing scheduled examinations. Meanwhile, reports from Noida suggest that social organizations, farmer unions, and political leaders have been placed under house arrest to prevent them from joining the agitation.
Political Tension Escalates
The protest has become a significant political flashpoint. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has voiced his support for the CJP, pledging to participate in the protest alongside his family members.
As the clock ticks toward the October 10 deadline, the atmosphere in Delhi remains highly charged, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence to manage the unfolding situation.