Traffic movement around Connaught Place is likely to be affected from 3 pm on Friday as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) plans a gathering at Central Park, with Delhi Police imposing prohibitory restrictions and deploying thousands of security personnel across central Delhi.
The proposed gathering, scheduled for 5 pm, is part of the CJP’s call for a flag march carrying the national flag. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons. More than 6,000 Delhi Police personnel are expected to be deployed in and around Connaught Place and central Delhi, in addition to around 26,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel already stationed in the Capital, according to a Hindustan Times report. Police are preparing for a possible crowd of 30,000 to 50,000 people, with additional personnel available if required. A prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas.
Delhi Police have said permission has not been granted for a large march. Barricades have been placed along roads near Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO and Sansad Marg. Police have urged people not to participate in any assembly that violates the restrictions, warning that legal action would be taken against those found breaching the order.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday recorded an assurance from Delhi Police that all possible legal measures would be taken to address concerns surrounding the proposed CJP gathering.
