Delhi Police expect 7,000 protesters at Jantar Mantar, impose traffic, metro and internet curbs

Stringent traffic restrictions came into force across Delhi from 6 am on Saturday, October 10. They were imposed ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. The CJP is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Police personnel were out in large numbers across the capital. They manned barricades and watched vehicle movement closely. Traffic continued to move smoothly. Police stopped and checked some cars entering and leaving the area.

Delhi Traffic Police warned of disruptions around Connaught Place, Mandi House, Jantar Mantar, Patel Chowk and other key intersections in central Delhi. The diversions will be regulated according to the law and order situation.

The affected stretches include the Ashoka Road-Jantar Mantar Road roundabout, Tolstoy Marg-Janpath crossing, Jai Singh Road-Sansad Marg crossing, Rail Bhawan roundabout, Patel Chowk, Gol Dak Khana and Windsor Place. Traffic may also be affected at Mandi House, Barakhamba Road and the Minto Road-Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg junction. Other locations include the Lodhi Road flyover, Neela Gumbad roundabout, Sardar Patel Marg-Panchsheel Marg crossing, and the Ring Road-San Martin Marg intersection.

Commuters have been advised to avoid non-essential travel and allow extra time. Those heading to railway stations, inter-state bus terminals or the airport have been asked to plan ahead. Traffic police said the restrictions could be relaxed or tightened based on real-time assessments.

The curbs go beyond the roads. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) closed entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations from 9 pm on Friday until the situation normalised. A 24-hour mobile internet suspension in central Delhi took effect at 10 pm on Friday. Train cancellations have also been announced.

Delhi Police expects around 7,000 protesters to arrive in the capital, an official said. Senior officers have told personnel to exercise maximum restraint. At a briefing, they were told not to react to any provocation and to stay calm throughout.

Police sources said no unauthorised gathering will be allowed. Personnel have been directed to detain those arriving for the protest and shift them to designated detention centres. Action may also be taken against people claiming to be independent journalists if they try to provoke police or create a confrontation, the sources said.

On the possibility of moving the protesters to Ramlila Maidan, police said no application has been received. A formal application will have to be submitted before a decision is taken. Senior police officers will remain at the spot to take decisions as the situation develops.

The protest is directed against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The protesters are demanding Kumar’s resignation.