2,000 cops, 20 paramilitary companies: Delhi’s massive security around Jantar Mantar amid CJP protest | Today’s news
The Delhi Police has made elaborate security arrangements around the Jantar Mantar and Parliament Complex during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the early hours of the day on Monday. According to PTI citing eyewitnesses, Delhi Police resorted to baton charge to disperse hundreds of students and youth activists who were marching from Mandi House metro station towards Jantar Mantar on Monday in an attempt to reach the CJP protest site.
Following the unauthorized termination of the march, authorities deployed over 2,000 police and paramilitary personnel along with anti-riot units and specialized crowd control equipment to ensure the maintenance of law and order and prevent security breaches, according to Hindustan Times.
The police deployed 20 companies of paramilitary forces. The measures also included specialized fire fighting vehicles, ambulances and a mobile command centre, with the heaviest deployment concentrated around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and other key entry points in the capital.
Jantar Mantar security measures early morning on July 20
Quick answers to key questions
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The Delhi Police deployed over 2,000 personnel, including paramilitary forces, specialized crowd control units and set up several layers of barricades to maintain law and order around Jantar Mantar.
The Delhi Police invoked Section 163 of the BNSS to ban unauthorized gatherings and maintain law and order during the monsoon session of Parliament as the CJP did not obtain permission for its protest march.
Police used batons, tear gas and heavy barricades to disperse the protesters who were trying to breach security and reach the protest site at Jantar Mantar.
According to Section 163 of the BNSS, prohibited activities include public gatherings, gatherings of five or more people, carrying banners or weapons, speeches and holding demonstrations without prior permission.
Yes, protesters should be concerned because unauthorized assemblies are strictly prohibited under Section 163 of the BNSS and violators may face legal action or arrest by law enforcement.
As thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar in the early hours, Delhi Police beefed up security by erecting two layers of barricades on four roads leading to the protest site. At the same time, barricades and metal detectors placed near the venue were removed to create a larger enclosed area for the gathering. Until approximately 5:00 a.m., the police left one narrow corridor open at each entry and exit point to allow controlled movement of people to and from the protest site.
What the protesters said
Several parts of central Delhi witnessed tense scenes as security personnel used batons, lathis and tear gas to disperse protesters near Constitution Club, Patel Chowk, Shastri Bhawan, RBI building and Parliament Street area. Internet services were also suspended in a large part of the locality.
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“They tried to stop us several times. There were heavy barricades all along the route. We also faced lathicharge and tear gas, but we will not go back,” PTI quoted Glory, a Delhi University student who took part in the march.
“Isn’t this our country? Don’t we as citizens have the right to ask questions and challenge situations we don’t agree with? Why are they resorting to lathicharge against students who came here just to demand their rights?” asked Kaniz Fatima, 52, a graduate of Jamia Millia Islamia
‘Protest being handled professionally’: Delhi Police
However, New Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma said that no Delhi Police personnel have used force against the protesters so far.
Read also | Abhijeet Dipke has been detained by Delhi Police, says CJP
In a statement to X, the Delhi Police said: “Some segments of the media have mentioned sporadic use of violence/detention at Jantar Mantar by the Delhi Police. It is informed that no such incident has taken place and the protest is being handled professionally. All are requested to remain silent on any rumours/apprehensions and assist the Delhi Police in maintaining peace and public order in and around the venue.”
“No permission sought or granted”: Police
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sachin Sharma issued a public notice on X on Sunday saying that “Delhi Police categorically clarifies that no permission has been sought or granted for such protest march/procession”. The ban under Section 163 BNSS (formerly Section 144 CrPC) is currently in force in New Delhi district, according to the DCP’s post.
Read also | CJP protest reverberates in Parliament, Kharge condemns police ‘lathi charge’
The protests coincided with the opening day of the monsoon session of Parliament, during which both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned several times after opposition members disrupted a CJP-led demonstration that began at Jantar Mantar.
Protesters are demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in public examinations and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
