A high-alert security ring has been thrown around the national capital ahead of planned weekend demonstrations pressing for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. With intelligence estimates indicating that over 50,000 demonstrators from Delhi and neighbouring cities could descend on the city on Saturday and Sunday, authorities have mobilized extensive central security personnel to maintain public order across critical zones including Jantar Mantar and central Delhi.
Opposition and Student Outfits Rally for Jantar Mantar Protest
Opposition parties have stated that their agitation will persist until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar tenders his resignation. Student and political organizations including the All India Students Association (AISA) and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) have called for a massive sit-in demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, with multiple other opposition factions also anticipated to join the weekend demonstrations.
Prohibitory Orders Under BNSS Section 163 Enforced
No permission has been granted for demonstrations in the designated area. Law enforcement authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which strictly penalizes gatherings of more than five persons. Students and public groups have been formally informed that any assembly in the New Delhi district on October 10 will be treated as unlawful.
Central Armed Forces Mobilized Across Sensitive Zones
To assist the Delhi Police, 23,000 central force personnel have been deployed, with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies arriving from Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. Total deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is reaching 26,000 personnel to secure key government establishments, manage public spaces, and maintain order across central Delhi. In addition, 5,000 local police officers are deployed in the New Delhi district where Jantar Mantar is situated, with plans to escalate this force to 15,000 if the situation demands.
Special Deployment of Women Paramilitary Companies
Anticipating substantial participation by women demonstrators, five female paramilitary companies comprising 450 to 500 personnel have been put on active duty. Ground evaluations indicated significant female turnout during earlier rallies, prompting special preparation for October 10 to ensure safe crowd management and prevent unauthorized entries into sensitive corridors.
Multi-Layered Barricades, Border Watch, and Commercial Restrictions
Multi-tier barricades have been erected on thoroughfares leading towards Parliament and Jantar Mantar, alongside rigorous police presence across Rajghat where prohibitory directives are also in effect. Border checkpoints around Delhi are under strict surveillance to identify and stop large groups attempting to enter the city. Furthermore, authorities requested the excise department to shutter liquor outlets on Friday and Saturday, while central Delhi hotels were asked to restrict room bookings to prevent unlawful congregation over these two critical days.
