Delhi imposes internet blackout, Metro curbs ahead of CJP protest
Authorities have ordered a 24-hour mobile internet suspension around a key central Delhi junction, restricted access to 57 metro stations and cancelled 61 Delhi-bound trains ahead of tomorrow’s planned protest.
Highlights
- Mobile internet suspended for 24 hours in central Delhi
- Access restricted at 57 Metro stations
- Delhi-bound trains cancelled ahead of demonstration
- More than 23,000 security personnel expected
- Police deny permission citing notice and past violations
Delhi is bracing for extensive security and transport restrictions ahead of a protest planned by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Saturday (10 October), with mobile internet suspended in parts of the capital, access restricted at 57 Metro stations and dozens of trains cancelled, reports NDTV.
More than 23,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed across the city for the demonstration, which seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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Delhi Police has refused permission for the protest, citing procedural requirements and alleged violations during an earlier demonstration.
The measures have disrupted transport and connectivity arrangements across the capital, with authorities citing concerns over public safety and the potential movement of crowds towards sensitive locations.
Mobile internet suspended for 24 hours
Delhi Police has ordered a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet services within a 4km radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing, from 10pm today (9 October) until 10pm on Saturday.
The order, issued by the office of the deputy commissioner of police, was sent to telecom operators Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Jio and MTNL for implementation across mobile internet technologies.
The suspension was ordered under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, and the Telecommunications Act, 2023, following consideration of a request by the Union home secretary.
The move comes after the Supreme Court questioned restrictions on Delhi Metro services and trains entering the capital, remarking that authorities could not use a sledgehammer to kill a fly.
A similar internet shutdown was imposed during the CJP's July protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged leaks of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper. The earlier restrictions covered a 1.5km radius and disrupted the uploading of videos by protesters and journalists, delaying some media coverage.
Access restricted at 57 Metro stations
Delhi Metro has announced restrictions at 57 stations ahead of the proposed demonstration, citing concerns over crowd movement towards sensitive locations.
Entry and exit gates at the affected stations will be closed from 9pm on Friday. Trains passing through the stations may also operate at reduced frequencies, according to the advisory.
Major stations affected include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, ITO, Delhi Gate, Khan Market, Lok Kalyan Marg, Udyog Bhawan, Kashmere Gate, Hauz Khas, INA and Lajpat Nagar.
The restrictions are expected to affect commuters using major interchange stations and routes across the city.
Passengers have been advised to check service updates before travelling.
Delhi-bound train services disrupted
Rail services have also been affected, with reports saying 61 Delhi-bound trains scheduled to arrive between Friday and Saturday have been cancelled.
The reported breakdown lists 40 cancellations for Friday and 20 for Saturday, accounting for 60 trains rather than the stated total of 61. The affected services were scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations.
The cancellations were made at the originating stations, with affected trains scheduled to arrive between 4am and 2pm on Saturday.
Passengers have been advised to check their train status before leaving for railway stations.
More than 23,000 security personnel deployed
Authorities are preparing a large-scale security operation across the capital, with more than 23,000 personnel expected to be deployed.
The Union Home Ministry has approved the deployment of 221 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) from 8 to 12 October, in addition to 110 companies provided to Delhi Police.
The deployment includes 85 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies, 10 Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) companies, seven Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) companies, seven Rapid Action Force (RAF) companies and one Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) company.
Security arrangements will include multiple layers of barricades and CCTV monitoring from control rooms. Face-recognition cameras will also be installed at locations across the capital, according to officials.
Neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, have been asked to remain alert during the protest period.
Police deny permission for demonstration
Delhi Police has refused permission for the CJP demonstration, saying the organisers failed to provide the mandatory 10-day advance notice.
Officials also cited alleged violations of guidelines during the previous protest, saying the decision was taken in the interest of public safety.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in parts of central Delhi. Police have warned that violations of the restrictions could lead to legal action.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the possible movement of protesters towards sensitive areas around Jantar Mantar and the New Delhi district.
