High alert in Delhi over the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
New Delhi. Security arrangements have been tightened in view of the proposed protest on Friday at Jantar Mantar in the capital Delhi. As a precautionary measure, entry and exit for passengers at 11 major stations of Delhi Metro has been closed. These include Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, New Delhi, Janpath, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, Seva Teerth, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazaar and Ramakrishna Ashram Marg. At present this restriction will remain in force until further notice.
This step has been taken by Delhi Metro on the request of security agencies and with the aim of controlling the possible crowd in Central Delhi. However, for the convenience of passengers, interchange facilities have been continued at some major stations. Passengers will be able to change trains at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, INA, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations, but exit or entry from these stations is not allowed at present.
Security has been increased in New Delhi district regarding the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar. A large number of police forces have been deployed and additional surveillance is being maintained in sensitive areas. The police have not given permission for the proposed protest. Besides, Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defense Code has also been implemented in New Delhi area.
In view of the protest, not only metro services have been affected, but traffic restrictions and diversions have also been imposed on many roads in Central Delhi. Delhi Traffic Police has advised people to take extra caution while traveling in Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Tolstoy Road, Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street and surrounding areas. Travelers have been asked to plan their journeys before leaving home and take alternative routes where possible.
The closure of entry and exit at 11 metro stations is likely to have a direct impact on a large number of passengers. Stations like Rajiv Chowk and New Delhi remain quite busy even on normal days. Employees going to offices, passengers going to the railway station and people reaching the markets of Central Delhi may have to face problems due to this.
Rajiv Chowk station is one of the most important metro stations of Connaught Place. There is an interchange here between the Yellow Line and the Blue Line. Similarly, New Delhi station is very important for people traveling by long distance trains due to its connection with the railway station. In such a situation, passengers may have to resort to other nearby stations due to only interchange permission being given at these stations and entry-exit being closed.
Patel Chowk and Janpath stations are in close proximity to Jantar Mantar and surrounding government and commercial areas. Therefore, special security arrangements have been made at these two stations also. The decision to keep entry-exit closed at stations like Central Secretariat and Lok Kalyan Marg has also been taken in view of the security of sensitive government areas.
The proposed protest has been called against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protesters are protesting against alleged irregularities in the electoral process and voter lists and are demanding his resignation. There is also a political controversy going on regarding these allegations. The Election Commission has earlier rejected such allegations and has described its functioning as being in accordance with the law.
Jantar Mantar has been a major center of protests in Delhi for a long time. Demonstrations have been organized here by political parties, social organizations and various groups. But considering the possibility of increased crowd, police often impose additional security arrangements on nearby roads and metro stations.
This time the security agencies are especially alert. Along with Jantar Mantar, police forces have also been deployed in other sensitive areas of New Delhi. The movement of vehicles and people is being monitored through barricading. Due to security arrangements, traffic is likely to be slow in some areas.
Meanwhile, Metro passengers have been appealed to keep getting information about the latest situation before reaching the station. Commuters who need to travel to New Delhi or Central Delhi area may have to use alternative metro stations and other transport modes.
At present, the order to keep entry and exit closed at 11 metro stations is in force till further notice. After reviewing the security situation, a decision will be taken to reopen these stations for general passengers.