Delhi Police deployed 5,000 personnel today as two protest marches against Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar head from India Gate to Jantar Mantar. The Citizens' March starts at 3 pm, followed by the Indian Youth Congress at 5 pm. Police said permission was not granted, yet they expect a large turnout today.
Delhi protests LIVE updates: The Delhi Police has deployed around 5,000 personnel, including those from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and other paramilitary forces, in the Capital ahead of two protest marches against the Election Commission (EC) today. Two marches from India Gate to Jantar Mantar against chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar have been planned for Sunday. The first, a Citizens' March, is scheduled to begin at 3 pm, followed by an Indian Youth Congress march along the same route at 5 pm....Read More
Citizens' March at 3 pm
The Citizens' March at 3 pm is also set to raise women's safety concerns, All India Students' Association (AISA) announced on social media.
In a post on X on Saturday, the AISA wrote, "Today, Delhi Police manhandled, assaulted & groped female students & journalists. Why? Not for demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal. Just because Delhi Police treat women as objects to assault with impunity."
Police step up security
The police said permission had not been granted for either of the marches from India Gate to Jantar Mantar. However, it is expecting a large turnout as the protests enter their third consecutive day.
The police said PCR vans and other police vehicles would be stationed along all roads leading to Jantar Mantar. CCTV cameras will be monitored from the DCP (New Delhi) office. Drones may also be deployed to monitor the crowd and review security arrangements if the law-and-order situation demands it.
Police personnel have been equipped with anti-riot gear, and the ministry of home affairs has been briefed on the security measures, officials said.