Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar: over 35,000 personnel may be deployed in Delhi
Delhi Police have refused permission for the protest seeking Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and are tightening security.
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A major protest is due in Delhi tomorrow, October 10, called by the Cockroach Janta Party. There is strong feeling across the country over the demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and the protesters have now turned towards Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police have not granted permission for the protest and have begun making tight security arrangements.
It is being said that more than 35,000 personnel of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces may be deployed in the capital. The figure has so far emerged only as a possibility.
It is learnt that Delhi Police have given special instructions to their teams in view of the protest. Directions are said to have been issued about detaining those who attempt to protest. Letters have also been sent to the directorates concerned in connection with the deployment plan.
According to available information, instructions have been issued that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) contingents deployed during the protest will not be given weapons. Police teams, meanwhile, will be allowed to carry lathis or batons.
Police personnel have also reportedly been told not to argue with protesters. The reason cited for these instructions is an apprehension of alleged attempts to record and circulate videos that could damage the police's image.
Six places are said to have been designated to hold detained protesters. They include Chhatrasal Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal Stadium, Community Centre Daulatpur and Community Centre Pandrawal. Additional women police personnel have also been called in from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Several facial recognition systems (FRS), additional CCTV cameras and drones are likely to be used for surveillance in central Delhi. Preparations are also under way to post personnel on the rooftops of some buildings to keep watch on the situation.
Student organisations and various political groups are expected to join the protest. Delhi Police are planning the arrangements for this reason.
Delhi Police have meanwhile made it clear that the protest announced by the CJP has not been granted permission. All eyes are now on how many personnel are actually deployed on the day of the protest and how the situation unfolds.
