Delhi Police has said its personnel will exercise maximum restraint during the proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place on Friday, while ensuring that prohibitory orders are not violated and law and order remain intact.
Senior police officials said measures were being put in place to prevent a repeat of the July 20 incident, with more than 6,000 police personnel and 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed across the New Delhi area.
The July 20 incident refers to the Cockroach Janta Party’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march over the NEET paper leak issue, which turned violent in central Delhi. Delhi Police reported that more than 118 police personnel were injured in clashes with protesters, while around 60 protesters were also
reported injured.
“Since the NDMC has shut the Central Park, the police will ensure that the orders are not violated,” officials said, adding that a small group of protesters could be allowed to represent the demonstrators and march with the national flag at a designated spot.
Police said arrangements would be made on the ground to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident during the proposed demonstration, scheduled for 5 pm.
Traffic diversions will also be implemented around Connaught Place in view of the march, while traffic police will issue real-time updates to minimise inconvenience to commuters.
Over 6,000 Police Personnel, 220 CAPF Companies Deployed
According to news agency PTI, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar, nearby Metro stations and other sensitive locations in Lutyens’ Delhi.
Additional personnel have been mobilised from other districts, while 5,000 additional police personnel have been kept in reserve to strengthen the deployment if required.
The arrangements also include 220 CAPF companies earmarked for New Delhi, with their deployment extending to adjoining districts, border areas and other important locations. One CAPF company comprises around 100 personnel.
Thirty CAPF companies will be deployed during each shift, with three shifts planned through the day.
Officials said the deployment could be increased depending on the situation, particularly if the crowd grows or the demonstration continues into the night.
“If the crowd swells during the night and we need more security, we will increase the strength to 60 companies in one shift,” a senior police officer said.
Barricades have been placed at several locations, including Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg.
Police officials are also planning the deployment and movement of personnel to secure multiple entry and exit points without unnecessarily disrupting public movement and commercial activity.
CCTV Surveillance Stepped Up Ahead Of March
Police have expanded surveillance arrangements around Central Park and Rajiv Chowk, installing more than 10 CCTV cameras to monitor the gathering and preserve footage in the event of any violation or untoward incident.
“Since there were hardly any cameras at Central Park and a large gathering of people is expected, we have installed new cameras,” the officer said.
The security arrangements come after the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced that Central Park would remain closed to the public on Friday and Saturday for “administrative reasons”.
The police have also said they could facilitate a select group of protesters to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable alternative location.
Police Say March Has Not Been Granted Permission
The proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march comes amid a stand-off between the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Delhi Police over demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The march was called after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to judicial custody for entering Jantar Mantar on October 13.
Student organisations, activists and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters are also expected to join the proposed demonstration.
Delhi Police PRO Neha Yadav said permission had not been granted for the march. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restrict mass gatherings, are already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas.
Yadav said the police were willing to facilitate a limited flag march at another location, subject to suitable arrangements being made.
“We are ready to grant permission to a select few protesters for a flag march at some other spot,” Yadav said.
Police have also taken into account concerns raised by market and trade associations in and around Connaught Place, which have submitted written requests seeking protection for their establishments amid concerns that large gatherings could affect business.
Officials have appealed to the public to stay away from unauthorised gatherings and warned that action would be taken against those violating prohibitory orders or disturbing public peace.
The police have said their arrangements are aimed at maintaining order while minimising disruption to commuters, businesses and other people in the area.
