Delhi Police has tightened security in New Delhi ahead of proposed protests on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. Student organisations, Left groups, Youth Congress and organisations associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have called for the protests.
The Delhi Police has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Jantar Mantar and other sensitive areas. Under the order, gatherings without permission, processions, sit-ins, protests, sloganeering and speeches have been prohibited.
Carrying posters, banners and other protest material in public places has also been restricted. The police has issued strict directions regarding weapons and objects such as sticks, clubs, spears and swords.
The police said the order has been issued to maintain public safety, law and order and traffic. Various orders issued under Section 163 of the BNSS are also available on the official Delhi Police website.
Security has been increased in sensitive and VIP areas of New Delhi following the announcement of the protests. In addition to police personnel, paramilitary forces have also been deployed.
Security arrangements are being closely monitored along major routes leading to Jantar Mantar, the area around Parliament and Connaught Place. Security has also reportedly been increased along the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana borders adjoining Delhi.
Reports said the protests had not received police permission. Following this, security was increased in several areas of New Delhi and Central Delhi.
Passengers have been advised to check the latest traffic and metro service updates before travelling towards Central Delhi.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said entry and exit at 11 stations would remain closed on October 2 until further orders.
The affected stations are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.
Interchange facilities have continued at some major stations. According to reports, passengers are allowed to interchange at Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House and New Delhi, while entry and exit restrictions remain in place at the concerned stations.
Programmes are also being held at Rajghat and Vijay Ghat on October 2 for Gandhi Jayanti. As a result, special traffic arrangements have been implemented in Central Delhi from the morning.
According to the report, traffic restrictions in some central areas are in effect from 5 am to 11 am. People travelling to or from Delhi have been advised to check the status of metro services and road routes in advance.
Travel time may be longer than usual, particularly in and around New Delhi, Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar and nearby areas.
