CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has criticised the restrictions, comparing the situation to the Emergency and accusing the Centre of trying to prevent people from joining the demonstration.
Dipke left Mumbai for Delhi on Saturday morning and said he was prepared to be detained or arrested. The protest is scheduled for 10 am and seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and the scrapping of the SIR process.
Dipke compares restrictions to Emergency
Criticising the security measures, Dipke said the restrictions on public movement would cause greater inconvenience than the protest itself. “Shut down the entire country if you are so scared of the youth,” he said, according to Hindustan Times.
He questioned the government’s argument that protests inconvenience the public, pointing to the closure of Metro stations, cancellation of trains and road restrictions. “Delhi is not private property of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah,” he said, alleging that the measures were intended to stop people from joining the demonstration.
Dipke also said he was ready to face arrest. “If they want to detain or arrest me, let them go ahead. I am ready for it; let them arrest or detain me. It makes no difference to me,” he told news agency ANI. He said CJP would continue its campaign for free and fair elections.
More than 1,000 detained across Delhi
More than 1,000 people have been detained across Delhi ahead of the protest, Hindustan Times reported on Saturday, citing police sources. Detentions were reported in several districts, including southeast, east and northeast Delhi, as well as at railway stations, bus stops and near the airport. Police also removed people described as suspicious from the vicinity of Jantar Mantar.
The CJP has separately alleged that activists travelling from other states were intercepted or detained.
Why is the CJP protesting?
Why did Delhi Police deny permission?
Delhi Police denied permission, citing the short notice given by organisers, alleged violations during previous demonstrations and concerns over public safety and law and order. In its October 9 letter, police said the communication submitted by the CJP did not qualify as a formal application under the prescribed procedure, which requires applications for events at Jantar Mantar to be submitted at least 10 days in advance.
Police also cited the risk of overcrowding, traffic congestion and disruption to residents and commuters, saying restrictions were necessary to maintain public order.
Metro curbs, train cancellations and traffic diversions
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed entry and exit gates at 45 stations from 9 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday, according to The Indian Express. Interchange facilities remain available at affected stations, except New Delhi Metro station.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory warning of possible diversions at 30 locations, including Dhaula Kuan Flyover, Connaught Place’s Outer Circle, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Jhandewalan and roads around Jantar Mantar. Commuters have been advised to allow additional travel time, particularly for journeys to the airport, railway stations and inter-state bus terminals.
Indian Railways also cancelled 45 Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday. The trains were cancelled at source because of anticipated congestion around the stations.
Mobile internet services were ordered suspended within a 4-km radius of the protest area from Friday night until Saturday night, according to reports citing a government order.
