Delhi Police have intensified security across the national capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on Monday, July 20, which coincides with the first day of the Monsoon session of Parliament. The stepped-up vigil comes after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite fast for nearly 20 days, was taken to Safdarjung Hospital early in the morning after his health deteriorated, police said.
Police have turned key entry points into the New Delhi district into high-security zones, with barricading, intensive vehicle checks, enhanced pickets and additional personnel. Sources said the arrangements are aimed at preventing any breach of law and order during the Parliament session and any protest-related activity in the city.
A senior police source said elaborate security arrangements had been put in place in view of the proposed Parliament march. The source said the CJP had not sought permission for the march so far. “Even if the organisers apply for permission, it is unlikely to be granted because the Monsoon session of Parliament will be underway and security protocols around Parliament will be at their highest level,” the source said.
The source added that police were determined not to allow any unauthorised march towards Parliament and that adequate arrangements were being made to stop protesters well before they could reach the high-security zone. “Every vehicle entering the New Delhi district will be subjected to thorough checking. Additional barricades have been installed at strategic locations, surveillance has been intensified, and police personnel have been directed to maintain strict vigil in New Delhi, Central Delhi and North Delhi round the clock,” the source said.
According to the source, security deployment has been strengthened around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Central Vista, Shankar Chowk, Connaught Place and other sensitive locations, while additional reserve forces have been kept on standby to deal with any contingencies. Security measures include the deployment of additional personnel at important intersections, enhanced patrolling, multiple layers of barricades and continuous monitoring through CCTV cameras, the source added.
Soon after Wangchuk was taken to hospital, Dipke announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike and said the July 20 Parliament march would go ahead as scheduled. Overall, police said the heightened security was a preventive measure linked to the Parliament session and the proposed protest march.
– Ends
With PTI inputs