Delhi turns into fortress ahead of gen z protest, 57 metro stations to be closed
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New Delhi is set to effectively turn into a fortress on Saturday amid a Gen Z protest. Security has been tightened around the demonstrations organized by the Cockroach Janata Party and student organizations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. As part of the security measures, entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations in central Delhi will remain closed. Delhi Police has also requested the railway authorities to cancel all trains arriving at and departing from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday. The protests are expected to disrupt the capital's public transportation system.
Delhi Police has denied permission for Saturday's gathering at Jantar Mantar. Fearing a large gathering and the possibility of protesters marching into sensitive areas, police have asked metro authorities to keep the entry and exit gates of 57 stations closed. The restrictions have been proposed to take effect from 9:00 p.m. on Friday and may remain in place until the situation returns to normal. The list includes major stations such as Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Mandi House, ITO, Supreme Court, Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Hauz Khas and INA. Metro train intervals may also be increased.
According to railway sources, all scheduled trains arriving at and departing from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday have been canceled. The decision was taken out of concern that possible traffic congestion could make it difficult for passengers to reach the stations. The canceled services include the Howrah New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Sealdah New Delhi Rajdhani Express. As a result, passengers traveling to Delhi from West Bengal are also likely to face difficulties.
Police and central armed forces are being deployed in several key areas of the capital for security reasons. Police have also warned of legal action against anyone who violates restrictions and participates in unauthorized gatherings. Liquor stores in Delhi have been ordered to remain closed on October 9 and 10.
The Cockroach Janata Party is demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Young people, student organizations and political activists are expected to join the protest following a call by party founder Abhijit Deep. Despite being denied police permission, the protesters remain determined to go ahead with the program.
With preparations for the protest underway and the administration imposing strict restrictions, Saturday is expected to pose a major challenge for both political activities and public transportation in Delhi.
