New Delhi: Delhi Police has stepped up security ahead of the CJP’s planned sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. Extensive security arrangements have reportedly been put in place to manage the protest. According to available information, a security cordon has been established across an area of approximately five kilometres around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and parts of Lutyens’ Delhi. Barricades have been erected at several key locations, and traffic movement is being regulated.

37 Checkpoints Set Up, 15 Detention Centres Reportedly Established

According to reports, barricades and security checkpoints have been set up at 37 locations, while 15 detention centres have reportedly been established. The deployment of around 45,000 security personnel has also been claimed. The force reportedly includes Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces. Special monitoring is being carried out on roads leading towards Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street.

Reports further state that the Central Government has provided 221 companies of security personnel for deployment from October 8 to 12. These companies are said to comprise approximately 23,000 personnel. Additional women security personnel have also reportedly been deployed.

Shops, Offices and Restaurants in Connaught Place to Remain Closed

In view of the anticipated protest near Jantar Mantar, shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place (CP) are set to remain closed. Business owners said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure, with security being given priority. Security arrangements and traffic restrictions are expected to affect movement across parts of central Delhi.

Kalka Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi Cancelled; Students Seek Alternative Transport

Students from Panjab University began travelling towards the national capital from midnight to participate in the planned protest. Following the cancellation of the Kalka Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi trains operating from Chandigarh towards Delhi, students had to explore alternative travel arrangements. Many planned to reach Delhi by bus, private vehicles and other means.

According to railway information, the Kalka Shatabdi was scheduled to depart at 6:53 am and the Jan Shatabdi at 7:41 am. However, both trains were cancelled, causing inconvenience to passengers planning to travel to Delhi, particularly students intending to participate in the protest.

Students Say Protest Could Continue for Three More Days

Ayush, a member of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) at Panjab University, alleged that different measures were being adopted to prevent students from participating in the protest. He said the cancellation of trains towards Hazrat Nizamuddin and New Delhi railway stations had created difficulties for students.

The students have maintained that they will not withdraw from their planned programme. They said the protest could continue on October 11, 12 and 13 if necessary.