New Delhi: In anticipation of a massive demonstration dubbed ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’ scheduled for October 10, the Delhi Police has heightened security and sounded a high alert across the national capital. The protest, spearheaded by opposition groups and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), is being organised to demand the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
To maintain law and order, an unprecedented security blanket comprising approximately 43,000 personnel is being rolled out. According to police sources, 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) jawans will be deployed alongside 20,000 Delhi Police personnel. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allocated 110 additional CAPF companies to the city, pushing the total deployment to 221 companies between October 8 and 12. This robust deployment, which includes units from the CRPF, SSB, RAF, ITBP, and CISF, surpasses the 93 companies that were stationed during the historic farmers’ protests.
The entire New Delhi district is slated to be completely sealed off on the day of the protest. Authorities have planned multi-layered barricading and strict surveillance at all state borders, railway stations, and bus terminals. “Specific instructions have been issued to monitor and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the city under the guise of protesters,” security officials stated.
Several precautionary measures are also on the table, including the potential closure of commercial markets and metro stations within the New Delhi area if the situation demands. To ensure foolproof security, the Delhi Police control room will actively monitor the ground situation using a widespread network of CCTV and Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras. Furthermore, prohibitory orders under BNSS Section 163 remain in force, legally restricting unauthorised gatherings and demonstrations.
The security alert has also cascaded to neighbouring regions, with law enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana instructed to remain highly vigilant. As the showdown over the CEC’s resignation looms, the capital is bracing for a tense atmosphere amid tight security lockdowns.