Delhi turns into a fortress ahead of protests on October 10
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also cancelled proposed visits to several states.
Extensive security arrangements are being made in the capital ahead of the proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday, October 10, at Jantar Mantar. The Cockroach People's Party (CJP) and the All India Students Association (AISA) have jointly called for the protest. Several opposition parties are also expected to participate. The Delhi Police has cited the prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Indian National Security Code (BNSS) and has denied permission for the protest.
With the possibility of a large crowd gathering, police preparations are not limited to the roads and protest site. Railway services, app-based taxis, hotel bookings, and metro operations may also be affected. Separate centers are being prepared for those who may be detained. Some restrictions have already been announced, while measures such as closing metro stations and internet restrictions are still under consideration.
According to a report by Indian Express,
The biggest decision regarding railway services is related to New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations. A senior railway official stated that all train services arriving and departing from both stations will be canceled from 4 AM to 2 PM on Saturday. The decision has been made in view of the potential traffic jams and inconvenience to passengers during the protest.
However, the railway ministry's statement has clarified the scope of the cancellations with more specific conditions. According to it,
All mail and express trains scheduled to depart from their originating stations after 2 PM on October 9, which were supposed to reach New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 AM and 2 PM on October 10, have been canceled. The ministry has indicated the possibility of severe traffic jams around both stations based on intelligence inputs and traffic advisories.
The railway official mentioned that around five thousand passengers were unable to catch their trains on Thursday. The railway has stated that precautionary measures are being taken to prevent similar inconveniences for passengers.
Eastern Railway has also canceled two Rajdhani Express trains departing from West Bengal on Friday, October 9. These include train number 12301 Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and 12313 Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express.
For security arrangements, the Ministry of Home Affairs has provided 221 companies of Central Armed Police Forces to the Delhi Police from October 8 to 12. This includes around 23,000 personnel. Five all-women paramilitary companies will also be deployed. Companies of the Central Reserve Police Force are being brought to Delhi from Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh for this arrangement.
According to police officials,
About ten temporary detention centers are being prepared in different districts. Stadiums and other designated premises will be used to hold those detained during the protest. These include Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Bawana and Chhatrasal Stadium. Similar arrangements are being made in Narela, East Delhi, and North-West Delhi.
There are also preparations to increase surveillance at the borders of Delhi. Officials say that people suspected of attempting to gather crowds from outside may be stopped and detained at entry points. Based on information about potential mobilization from outside the capital, the police have coordinated with railway officials to control train movements.
Restrictions may also be imposed on app-based taxis heading towards Lutyens' Delhi. The police are coordinating with cab operators like Ola and Uber. Preparations are underway to limit traffic on roads entering New Delhi district. According to officials, cab operators are being informed about potential road restrictions.
Hotels, guest houses, and other accommodation facilities in central Delhi and nearby areas have been asked to remain closed for some time or limit new bookings. Hotel owners in Paharganj have been informed not to take new bookings. Similar meetings have taken place in some areas of South and North Delhi. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has ordered the closure of liquor shops on October 9 and 10 based on police information to maintain public order.
Entry restrictions or closures are being considered for around 40 metro stations in sensitive areas and their surroundings. Currently, this has not been finalized. During the CJP protest in July, around 16 stations were closed. According to officials, internet restrictions may be imposed in areas with detention centers to prevent further mobilization. Such measures are also possible in some parts of New Delhi and Central Delhi based on the security situation.
The police have also outlined conditions for those recording and live broadcasting the protest. According to officials, action may be taken against YouTubers and mobile journalists for obstructing police action, violating restrictions, or participating in illegal mobilization. However, they will not be considered protesters themselves. Media organizations have been advised that journalists covering the event should carry valid press identification and display it clearly at barricades and sensitive locations.