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Indian authorities have imposed unprecedented security measures in New Delhi ahead of a protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Police detained the organisation’s founder, Abhijit Dipke, and leaders Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka shortly after they arrived at Delhi airport on Saturday morning (October 10).
The detentions, carried out while the leaders were still aboard the aircraft, heightened tensions. Thousands of police officers and central security personnel have been deployed across the capital to prevent the protest from taking place. Restrictions have also been imposed on movement, metro services and internet access in several areas. Hundreds of protesters had already been detained.
The Cockroach Janata Party had called for a “Jantar Mantar 2.0” protest in New Delhi on Saturday. The demonstrators planned to demand the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes to the law governing the appointment of election commissioners.
Young people from different parts of the country were expected to join the programme. Abhijit, Saurabh and Ashutosh were detained inside their aircraft after arriving in Delhi from Mumbai on Saturday morning. Abhijit was heard saying that they were not afraid of being arrested.
The detention of the protest leaders has raised fresh questions about the future of the demonstration. However, the organisers have urged supporters to continue the protest peacefully.
Delhi Police anticipated a large gathering in connection with the programme and stepped up security across the capital. More than 35,000 security personnel, including police and central forces, were reportedly deployed. Some reports put the figure at more than 40,000.
Barricades have been erected along routes that protesters might use to reach Jantar Mantar. Vehicles are being checked and suspected individuals questioned in various areas. Police have also reportedly been visiting hotels, guesthouses, student hostels and other accommodation facilities to make inquiries. Particular attention is being paid to groups of young people arriving from other states.
Since Friday night, announcements have been made near Jantar Mantar warning against gatherings. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita has been imposed across a wide area. Authorities have also ordered the suspension of mobile internet services within a four-kilometre radius of the intersection of Janpath and Kartavya Path. The restrictions are scheduled to remain in force until 10pm on Saturday.
Meanwhile, entry and exit gates at several Delhi Metro stations have been closed. The metro authorities revised their earlier directive after the Supreme Court objected to blocking all routes used by the general public. Several trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations within a specified period have also been cancelled.
Delhi Police said traffic could be regulated on several key roads to maintain order. Residents have been advised to avoid going outside unless necessary. Besides the protest leaders, several other activists and supporters have reportedly been detained.
It remains unclear whether the demonstration has been completely halted following the leaders’ detention or how many protesters ultimately managed to reach Jantar Mantar. CJP leaders had previously said their programme would be peaceful and that the movement should continue even if its organisers were arrested.
With extensive security deployments and successive detentions across the capital, attention is now focused on whether the protest will gather momentum despite the crackdown. Source: Agencies.
