Delhi Deploys 27,000 Personnel Ahead of CJP Tiranga March, Section 163 in Force

New Delhi: Delhi Police has stepped up security across central Delhi ahead of the Tiranga March announced by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Connaught Place’s Central Park on Friday, October 16. Around 27,000 security personnel have been deployed across the Lutyens’ Delhi area, with multi-layer barricading, drone surveillance and riot-control vehicles forming part of the security arrangements.

CJP has called on people to gather at Central Park at 5 PM with the national flag and participate in the march. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also extended support to the proposed demonstration and appealed to its workers and supporters to participate in large numbers.

Authorities have tightened security ahead of the festive season, citing concerns about public safety, law and order and possible disruption to business activities.

Central Park to Remain Closed for Two Days

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has informed Delhi Police in writing that Central Park will remain closed on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons. The civic body has sought adequate security arrangements to prevent unauthorised entry and protect the public park.

Additional companies of the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces have reportedly been placed on high alert until October 20 under directions from the Union Home Ministry.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), corresponding to the former Section 144, is already in force across New Delhi and the Connaught Place area. The provision is intended to help maintain public order and protect people and public and private property.

Traders Raise Concerns Over Business Disruption

Business and market associations in Connaught Place and nearby areas have submitted representations to the police, seeking protection for commercial establishments during the festive season.

Traders have expressed concern that demonstrations and unauthorised gatherings could affect business during an important shopping period.

The issue has also come before the Delhi High Court through a writ petition. During the hearing, the court took note of concerns about possible disruption to commercial activity. Delhi Police assured the court that it would take all possible and appropriate steps within the law.

Multi-Layer Barricading and Drone Surveillance

Security arrangements have been strengthened on major roads leading towards Connaught Place, including Shahjahan Road, Akbar Road, Ashoka Road, Sher Shah Road and Kasturba Gandhi Marg.

The Rapid Action Force and riot-control vehicles have been positioned at key junctions to deal with any law-and-order situation. Drone cameras are being used to monitor the Lutyens’ Delhi area, with live feeds reportedly being tracked at the central police command room.

CJP has called the march to protest the police arrests of two of the organisation’s main co-convenors, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

Protesters Removed from Outside Parliament Street Police Station

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) staged a protest outside Parliament Street Police Station on Thursday night, demanding action against the Delhi Police.

Police personnel attempted to remove the protesters late at night and reportedly faced resistance. According to the report, efforts to clear the site were still underway at the time of writing.

Traffic Disruptions Expected on Several Delhi Roads

Traffic movement is likely to be affected on several major roads in Delhi due to the proposed CJP march at Central Park on October 16.

According to Delhi Traffic Police, traffic restrictions or diversions may be introduced wherever necessary. Commuters have been advised to avoid the affected routes where possible and allow extra time for their journeys.

Roads that may experience disruptions include:

• Singh Marg
• Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg
• Panchkuian Road
• Basant Lane
• Chelmsford Road
• Minto Road
• Barakhamba Road
• Kasturba Gandhi Marg
• Tilak Marg
• Sikandra Road
• Janpath
• Rail Bhawan
• Rafi Marg
• C-Hexagon
• Mandi House
• Patel Chowk
• Windsor Place
• Gol Dak Khana
• Ashoka Road
• Tolstoy Marg

The police have advised commuters to use public transport wherever possible to minimise inconvenience.

Police Appeal to Public and Offer Alternative Arrangement

Delhi Police has urged people not to participate in an unauthorised gathering, warning that violations of the restrictions under Section 163 could invite legal action.

At the same time, the police has reportedly offered an alternative arrangement under which a limited group of people may be facilitated at a suitable location to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem. Any such activity would have to follow the prescribed rules and maintain the dignity and respect due to the national flag and anthem.

Metro Stations Under Watch, Stadiums Identified as Detention Centres

Delhi Police has also made arrangements to deal with the possibility of large gatherings or mass violations of restrictions.

Sports stadiums near Lutyens’ Delhi have reportedly been identified as temporary detention centres. Government buses have been stationed to transport people who may be taken into custody.

Additional security personnel have also been deployed at selected exit gates of nearby metro stations, including Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan and Khan Market.